Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Lightning Ridge, Australia. As a region characterized by a BSh climate, intense sunlight can lead to elevated UV levels, increasing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Awareness of daily UV indices helps in making informed choices to protect your skin, especially during peak hours when levels reach up to 4. By keeping an eye on the UV readings, you can enjoy the region’s unique attractions while safeguarding your health against the sun's harmful rays.
The UV Index for the day reveals a gradual increase in solar intensity as the sun climbs higher. Starting from a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index nudges to 2 by 09:00 and peaks at 4 between 11:00 and 13:00, indicating a notable amount of UV exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the value slightly tapers off to 3 at 14:00 and dwindles down to 2 by 15:00. The evening brings a steep decline, with the index dropping to 1 at 16:00 and then to 0 after 18:00. Stay protected during the midday hours when the UV Index is at its highest!
| 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 | 4 | 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, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal changes, with January through April marking the peak months for UV radiation exposure. January and February showcase an extreme UV index of 15 and 16, with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. As spring approaches in March, the index slightly decreases to 13, while still remaining in the extreme category. April sees a reduction to a very high index of 10, allowing for a longer burn time of 15 minutes. The UV index starts to moderate in June and July, recording a 4 and 5 respectively, marking the summer months as relatively lower risk. Notably, September and October witness a resurgence in UV intensity, with 9 and 12, indicating very high and extreme categories, respectively. November and December follow suit, reverting back to extreme levels at 14 and 15. Visitors and residents should exercise heightened caution during the high-risk months of January, February, March, October, and November, ensuring appropriate sun protection measures are in place, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing when outdoors.
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 |
| Lightning Ridge | 15 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |