Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Forbes, Australia, is crucial for protecting your skin health and preventing sunburn. With a temperate climate typical of the Cfa zone, Forbes experiences varying UV levels throughout the day, peaking with a UV Index of 4 around midday. This means that even a brief exposure during those hours can lead to serious skin damage without proper protection. By staying informed about UV levels, residents can take proactive measures to safeguard against the sun's harmful rays, ensuring a healthier and more enjoyable outdoor experience.
The UV Index today begins its journey at 0 at 7:00 AM, indicating a safe start to the day. As the sun rises higher, the index gradually climbs to 1 by 8:00 AM and remains steady until 9:00 AM. With the peak sun hours approaching, the value increases to 2 by 10:00 AM and reaches its maximum of 4 at 12:00 PM, reflecting the hottest and most intense UV radiation period. The afternoon brings a slight decrease, with values dropping back to 3 at 1:00 PM and tapering off to 2 by 2:00 PM. As the day winds down, the index declines further to 1 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, before returning to 0 for the remainder of the evening, ensuring a safe environment after sunset. Remember to apply sunscreen during peak times to protect your skin!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 15:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels exhibit notable seasonal fluctuations, with the highest risk months being January, February, March, October, November, and December, where the UV Index consistently falls in the extreme category (15 to 14), indicating a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. April marks a shift to very high exposure (UV Index 8), allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. As summer approaches, the index drops to moderate levels (5 to 4) in May, June, and July, with burn times ranging from 30 minutes to 25 minutes in August when it reaches a high rating of 6. As the year progresses into fall with September's very high UV levels, residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions during high-risk months. It is recommended to apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade, especially during peak sun hours, to minimize the risk of UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne UVI | 14 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 |
| Adelaide UVI | 14 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 15 |
| Sydney UVI | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 |
| Perth UVI | 14 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 14 |
| Forbes | 15 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
| Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |