Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Goonellabah, Australia, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. As you bask in the region's subtropical climate, where warm summers and mild winters prevail, being aware of UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. The UV Index varies throughout the day, peaking between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM at levels 5 and 4, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about these levels, you can enjoy Goonellabah's beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin against harmful UV rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, providing a safe environment for morning activities. The intensity gradually increases, reaching 2 by 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it climbs to 4, indicating a moderate level of UV exposure. The peak arrives at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where the index hits 5, signaling a need for sun protection. The afternoon sees a decline, with readings at 4 at 1:00 PM, tapering to 3 by 2:00 PM. As the day begins to wind down, the UV Index drops steadily back to 1 by 4:00 PM, and sinks to 0 after 6:00 PM. This hourly data highlights the importance of safeguarding against UV exposure, especially during the midday hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits considerable seasonal variation, peaking in the winter months of January, February, and March, where it reaches extreme levels (16-13), accompanied by a very quick burn time of just 10 minutes. As spring approaches in April, the index decreases slightly to 10 but remains very high, allowing for a burn time of 15 minutes. May and August see a drop to 7, classified as high, with burn times extending to 25 minutes. The summer months of June and July remain moderate at 5, allowing for longer exposure of 30 minutes before risk increases again in September with a very high index of 9 and a shorter burn time of 15 minutes. The trend shifts back to extreme levels in October, November, and December (12-15), demanding careful attention to UV exposure with only 10 minutes before burn onset. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to prioritize sun protection during the high-risk months of January through March and October through November, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and hat, and to seek shade as necessary to minimize the risk of UV-related harm.
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 |
| Goonellabah | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 15 |
| Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |