Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors in Shellharbour, Australia, where the coastal climate offers beautiful sunny days but also presents significant UV exposure risks. By staying informed about UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and maintain your skin health. Typically, from late morning to early afternoon, the UV Index peaks at 3—a reminder that even moderate levels of UV radiation can be harmful. Embrace the sun responsibly and enjoy all that Shellharbour has to offer while keeping your skin safe!
The UV Index throughout the day presents an interesting pattern of solar exposure. Starting at 07:00, it gently peaks at 1, remaining steady for the next hour. By 09:00, the index climbs to 2, reflecting the sun's increasing intensity. The sun gains momentum, reaching its highest values of 3 by 11:00, and sustaining this level until 13:00. As the afternoon unfolds, the index gradually declines, dropping back to 2 by 14:00 and finally tapering off to a 1 from 15:00 onwards. By the evening, from 17:00 to 19:00, the UV Index dips to 0, indicating a safe period to bask in the fading sunlight. Overall, it’s a day where sun safety is essential, especially during the peak 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
12:00 | 3 | 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 |
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 |
Shellharbour | 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 |