Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Merimbula, Australia, where sunny days can lead to significant sun exposure. By being aware of UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and protect your skin health, minimizing the risk of long-term damage. Merimbula, known for its mild oceanic climate, presents its own unique challenges when it comes to UV exposure, especially during the peak hours of 10 AM to 2 PM when the index reaches levels of 4. By grasping the importance of the UV Index, you empower yourself to enjoy the beautiful Australian outdoors safely.
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, the UV Index shows significant seasonal variations, indicating fluctuating sun exposure risks for visitors and residents. The high-risk months occur from January to March, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 14 to 11 and a quick burn time of just 10 minutes warrants extra caution. In November and December, conditions revert to extreme once again, with similar high UV readings. April to September experiences a gradual decrease in UV intensity, where the exposure categories range from high to moderate; particularly in April and September, when the burn time increases to 25-30 minutes. From July to August, conditions remain moderate, but the risk remains non-negligible. As daylight hours lessen in October, the UV Index climbs back to very high, demanding vigilance with a burn time of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take protective measures, especially during the extreme months, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to mitigate the risk of sunburn and long-term 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 |
| Merimbula | 14 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 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 |
| Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |