Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Goulburn, Australia, as it plays a vital role in protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. With a Cfb climate that can bring varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day, being aware of the UV levels helps you make informed decisions about sun protection. During peak hours, particularly from 12 PM to 1 PM, the UV Index can reach up to 4, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about these levels, you can enjoy the beautiful Goulburn outdoors while safeguarding your skin against potential damage.
The UV Index for the day reflects a gradual rise in intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index ticks up to 2 by 09:00, before reaching its peak of 4 at 12:00. For the late morning and early afternoon, the values hover around 3 from 10:00 to 14:00, showcasing a moderate level of UV radiation that encourages sunscreen application and protective clothing. As the afternoon wanes, the index dips back to 2 at 15:00 and settles down to 1 by 16:00. The sun's influence diminishes substantially by evening, with the index dropping to 0 by 18:00, signaling a safe window for outdoor activities without the risk of sun exposure.
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 3 | 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 experiences significant seasonal variation, with high-risk months predominantly occurring from January to March and November to December, all falling into the extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. In these months, visitors and residents should take extra precautions, such as seeking shade and wearing protective clothing, when outdoors. As we move into April and September to October, the UV levels remain very high, advising a burn time of 15 minutes. May through July sees a dip in UV levels to moderate, with burn times of 30 minutes, providing a relative reprieve before the UV Index begins to rise again in August at a high exposure level of 6. To ensure safety, it's crucial to stay informed about current UV conditions throughout the year and take appropriate protective measures during high-risk periods.
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 |
| Goulburn | 15 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 15 |
| Perth UVI | 14 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 14 |
| Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |