Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Port Macquarie, Australia is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Awareness of UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns, but also plays a significant role in maintaining long-term skin health. With a mild Cfa climate—characterized by warm summers and relatively low UV Index values in the early morning and late afternoon—Port Macquarie residents and visitors must remain vigilant, especially during peak hours when the UV Index can reach levels as high as 5 around midday. By staying informed about daily UV exposure risks, you can enjoy the beautiful Australian sun while safeguarding your skin.
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 varies significantly throughout the year, with the highest levels observed from January to March and a notable resurgence in October to November. Specifically, January and February lead with an extreme UV Index of 15, requiring minimal sun exposure within just 10 minutes to avoid burning. The high-risk months for UV exposure are thus identified as October (UV Index 11) and November (UV Index 13), as well as the early months of the year. In contrast, the UV levels decrease during the summer months to moderate levels, with the UV Index dropping to 4 in June and July. To protect your skin, it is essential for both visitors and residents to take precautions, especially in these high-index months, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours.
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 |
| Port Macquarie | 15 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 14 |
| Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |