Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Morpeth, Australia, where the warm climate and exposure to sunlight can lead to varying UV levels throughout the day. Being aware of these levels is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining optimal skin health, especially when the UV Index peaks at levels that can cause harm in just a short time. With Morpeth's climate classified as Cfa—characterized by hot summers and mild winters—it's important to know when to seek shade and protect your skin from potential damage caused by the sun's rays, particularly during those midday hours when UV levels reach their highest point.
The UV Index for today presents a gradual rise in intensity as the morning unfolds, peaking at 12:00 PM with a score of 4, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Early hours from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM remain low, with values of 1-2. As the clock strikes 10:00 AM, the index jumps to 3, signaling that sun safety precautions should be considered. In the early afternoon, the UV exposure decreases slightly but remains moderate at 3. As the sun begins to descend, the index dips back down to 1 by 15:00 PM and eventually reaches 0 in the evening, reassuring that the UV radiation is minimal. Stay sun-safe during peak hours, and enjoy the rest of your day!
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 15:00 | 1 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk seen during the winter months of January and December when the UV index peaks at 15, categorized as extreme, necessitating a burn time of just 10 minutes. Similarly, February and November also present extreme conditions with a UV index of 14 and 12, respectively. As spring approaches, March still carries an extreme rating of 12, while April's index drops to 8, moving to very high. The summer months of June and July maintain a moderate UV index of 4, allowing for more extended exposure of 30 minutes before burning occurs, but return to high levels in August. As we transition into fall, September and October see a resurgence of very high ratings at 8 and 10 respectively. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during the high-risk months, particularly from November through March, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting exposure during peak hours to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
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 |
| Morpeth | 15 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 |
| 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 |