Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Raleigh, Australia, staying informed about the UV Index is vital for your overall health and well-being. Understanding UV levels can help you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, particularly in a region where the Cfa climate typically brings warm summers with significant sun exposure. With peak UV Index values reaching 6 around midday, it’s essential to recognize the risks associated with this intensity and protect your skin while enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Whether you’re off to the beach or just spending time in the sun, keeping an eye on the UV Index can make all the difference in maintaining healthy skin.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a mild 1 by 07:00. By 09:00, it reaches 3, signaling a gentle warmth in the air. The day peaks around 11:00 and 12:00, where the index soars to a high of 6, advising outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions against harmful rays. After a vibrant midday, the UV intensity starts to taper off, dropping to 3 by 14:00, then gradually declining to 1 by 16:00. As the evening arrives, the UV Index dips to 0 after 18:00, marking a safe return for all as daylight fades. Remember, while enjoying those sunlit hours, protect your skin and stay hydrated!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest levels occurring from January to March where values reach 15, marking an extreme exposure category with a burn time of only 10 minutes. Following this, the UV Index drops to 9 in April and then moderately decreases to 6 in May, transitioning from an extreme to a high concentration. As summer arrives, the index fluctuates between 4 to 7, categorized as moderate to high with burn times extending to 30 minutes in June and 25 minutes in August. Clearly, the high-risk months for UV exposure are January through March, followed by October and November when the index rises again to 13 and 15, respectively. To ensure safety, both visitors and residents are advised to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, especially during these peak months when the risk of sunburn is significant.
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 |
| Raleigh | 15 | 15 | 14 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
| Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |