Last updated: May 3, 2025
In the picturesque coastal town of South West Rocks, Australia, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels is crucial not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for maintaining overall skin health. With a Cfa climate that features plenty of sunny days, residents and visitors alike should be mindful of peak UV times, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM when the index can soar to levels 6 and above. Staying informed and taking necessary precautions can help ensure you enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, perfect for morning strolls without much concern for sun protection. By 9:00 AM, it climbs to 3, indicating a moderate level of UV exposure. The intensity peaks at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, reaching a 6—a signal to find some shade or apply sunscreen while enjoying the outdoors. As the afternoon unfolds, the index slightly drops, dipping to 5 at 1:00 PM and gradually declining to 2 by 3:00 PM. As the day winds down from 4:00 PM onwards, the levels decrease significantly to 1 and finally to 0 by 6:00 PM, heralding a safe evening where sun exposure is no longer a concern. Overall, it's a day where sun safety measures are essential from mid-morning to early afternoon, ensuring fun in the sun without the burn!
| 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 | 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 seasonal fluctuations, with high-risk months from January to March and again in October through November where the index ranges from 15 to 13, indicating extreme exposure levels with a burn time of only 10 minutes. The spring and fall months, particularly April and September, show a slight decrease in risk, with the index moving into the very high category and a corresponding burn time of 15 minutes. By May to July, the UV levels drop to high and moderate categories, respectively, offering more manageable exposure times of 25 to 30 minutes. As a safety precaution, both visitors and residents should take extra care during the extreme and very high months, utilizing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours to reduce the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| South West Rocks | 15 | 15 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 14 |
| Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |