Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Gunnedah, Australia, especially in a climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters, which can lead to increased exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays. By keeping track of UV levels, you can take proactive steps to prevent sunburn and protect your skin health, ensuring a safer outdoor experience. Even on seemingly mild days, UV exposure can pose risks, with index levels peaking at 5 around midday—highlighting the need for awareness and protective measures to enjoy Gunnedah's beautiful outdoor settings safely.
The UV Index throughout the day follows a distinct pattern, with the intensity peaking at 12:00 PM when it reaches a noteworthy level of 5. Morning hours start off mild, with values of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, gradually escalating to 2 by 09:00, then climbing to 4 at 11:00. Post-noon, the index slightly decreases, falling to 4 again at 13:00, before tapering off to 2 by 15:00. As the day winds down, the levels drop significantly, plunging to 0 by 19:00. This highlights the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when UV radiation is at its strongest.
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 | 4 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring in the winter months from January to March when the index peaks at 16. This period is classified as extreme, indicating a burn time as short as 10 minutes. November and December also register high indices at 14 and 15, respectively, maintaining the extreme exposure category. As spring approaches, the UV Index drops slightly to 9 in April and September before stabilizing at 7 during the summer months of May and August, categorizing these as high exposure with longer burn times of 25 minutes. It's essential for residents and visitors to be vigilant and prioritize sun safety during the high-risk months of January, February, and March, as well as in November and December, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly during outdoor activities.
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 |
Gunnedah | 16 | 15 | 13 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 15 |
Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |