Last updated: May 3, 2025
Staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Harrington, Australia, as it helps to protect against harmful sun exposure and supports long-term skin health. Understanding the varying levels of UV radiation throughout the day is essential for effective sunburn prevention, especially in this temperate Cfa climate, where UV rays can reach moderate to high levels around midday. With UV Index readings peaking at 5 between 11:00 and 13:00, knowing when to seek shade or wear protective clothing can make all the difference in enjoying the sun safely.
The UV Index for the day showcases a gradual increase in solar intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting from a low of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, it peaks at 5 from 11:00 to 13:00, indicating a heightened risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Just after noon, the index begins its decline, dropping to 3 by 14:00 and further to 2 at 15:00. As the afternoon fades into evening, the UV Index dips to 1 at 16:00, and eventually, it settles at 0 from 17:00 onward. To enjoy the outdoors safely, consider protecting your skin during the midday hours when UV radiation is most intense!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest readings from January to March, where it reaches an extreme of 15 in January and stays above 12 until the end of March, indicating a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. The late spring and summer months, particularly from April to July, show a gradual decline in UV intensity, with April at 8 (very high) and the subsequent months down to 4 (moderate). By August, the index rises again to 7 (high) before a subsequent increase back to 11 in October and 12 in November, highlighting the continuing high risk of sun exposure. December also sees an extreme level of 14. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during the high-risk months of January through March and October through November, ensuring they use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure, especially during peak hours to prevent skin damage.
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 |
| Harrington | 15 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 |
| Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |