Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Goonellabah, Australia, where the subtropical climate can lead to high levels of UV radiation. With warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, being aware of UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. During peak hours, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, the UV Index reaches notably high levels of 5 to 6, highlighting the need for sun safety measures. Continuous vigilance against UV exposure is vital to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while keeping skin damage at bay.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a mild 1 by 07:00. By 09:00, it reaches 3, signaling a gentle warmth in the air. The day peaks around 11:00 and 12:00, where the index soars to a high of 6, advising outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions against harmful rays. After a vibrant midday, the UV intensity starts to taper off, dropping to 3 by 14:00, then gradually declining to 1 by 16:00. As the evening arrives, the UV Index dips to 0 after 18:00, marking a safe return for all as daylight fades. Remember, while enjoying those sunlit hours, protect your skin and stay hydrated!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | 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 |