Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Shell Cove, Australia, where sun exposure can vary significantly throughout the day. With a temperate climate, Shell Cove enjoys plenty of sunshine, which increases the risk of sunburn and long-term skin health issues if precautions aren't taken. During peak hours, particularly around 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the UV Index can reach levels as high as 5, indicating a moderate risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. Staying informed about daily UV levels helps you make smarter decisions about sun safety, ensuring your time in the sun is enjoyable and safe!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, providing a safe environment for morning activities. The intensity gradually increases, reaching 2 by 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it climbs to 4, indicating a moderate level of UV exposure. The peak arrives at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where the index hits 5, signaling a need for sun protection. The afternoon sees a decline, with readings at 4 at 1:00 PM, tapering to 3 by 2:00 PM. As the day begins to wind down, the UV Index drops steadily back to 1 by 4:00 PM, and sinks to 0 after 6:00 PM. This hourly data highlights the importance of safeguarding against UV exposure, especially 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring during January, February, March, November, and December, where it reaches an extreme rating of 14 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Following this, April and September see very high UV levels of 8, necessitating careful sun protection with a burn time of 15 minutes. As temperatures rise, May through August show moderate UV levels (ranging from 3 to 5, with burn times of 30 minutes), making them less risky compared to the high-risk months of January, February, March, November, and December. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during extreme and very high UV periods by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize health risks.
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 |
| Shell Cove | 14 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 |
| 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 |