Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Lightning Ridge, Australia, where the sun's rays can be intense due to its BSh climate. Being aware of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and protects skin health, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors safely. With UV levels peaking around midday at 5, it's crucial to take precautions between 10 AM and 2 PM when exposure risks are highest. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can make smarter choices about sun protection, ensuring your time in this vibrant area is both enjoyable and safe.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a low 1 at 7:00 AM, indicating minimal sun exposure risk. By 9:00 AM, it climbs to 2, suggesting it's time to start thinking about sun protection. The intensity peaks at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, reaching a high of 5, at which point it's crucial to apply sunscreen and seek shade. As the afternoon progresses, the index gently declines to 4 by 2:00 PM and further down to 2 by 3:00 PM. By 5:00 PM, the risk decreases significantly to 1, before tapering off to 0 after 6:00 PM, signaling a safe window for evening activities. Be mindful of the sun’s strength during the midday hours!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | 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 |