UV Index in Shellharbour, Australia

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Shellharbour, Australia, where sun exposure can intensify, especially during the warmer months. The UV Index serves as a vital indicator of the sun's strength, helping you make informed decisions to prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. Given Shellharbour's temperate maritime climate, the UV levels can spike to 4 around midday, increasing the risk of harmful UV exposure. By staying aware of these levels, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin for years to come.

Hourly UV Index in Shellharbour

As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a minimal 1 by 07:00 and 08:00, making early outdoor activities safe. By 09:00, it gently ascends to 2, indicating a slight increase in solar exposure. The real action begins at 10:00 with a jump to 3, peaking at 12:00 with a UV Index of 4, when sun safety precautions become essential. After 13:00, the index gradually declines to 3 and then 2 by 14:00, suggesting a decrease in UV intensity. The afternoon wind-down sees the index taper off to 1 between 15:00 and 17:00, before dropping to 0 by evening, making it a perfect time to enjoy the outdoors without the worries of UV exposure.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	1	low	45 min
18:00	0	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Shellharbour

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Shellharbour, Australia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Shellharbour. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Shellharbour, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Shellharbour UV Index with Other Australia Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Shellharbour compares to other major locations across Australia. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Shellharbour's solar exposure compared to other cities in Australia. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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