Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Sydney, Australia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With its Cfa climate, Sydney enjoys a vibrant sun-splashed atmosphere but also presents risks associated with high UV levels, especially during summer months. Understanding the UV Index helps locals and visitors alike to take protective measures, ensuring enjoyable outdoor activities without compromising skin safety. Remember, even when the UV Index is moderate, like the readings from 10:00 to 14:00 showing levels 2 to 3, it's essential to stay vigilant and shield your skin from prolonged exposure!
During the day, the UV Index showcases a gradual rise as the sun ascends, peaking at 3 between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Early morning hours, specifically at 07:00 AM and 08:00 AM, maintain a gentle level of 1, making it relatively safe to be outdoors without sun protection. As you step out around 9:00 AM, the index nudges to 2, indicating a slight increase in UV exposure. From 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, it reaches its highest point, suggesting that sun safety measures, such as sunscreen or protective clothing, become essential. By 2:00 PM, a decrease begins, returning to 1 by 15:00 PM, and fading further to 0 after 5:00 PM, marking a decline in UV intensity as the day winds down. Overall, early risers will enjoy a low UV risk, while midday sun seekers should take precautions to stay safe!
| 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 | 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 reveals significant seasonal variations in sun exposure, with January, February, March, November, and December marked as high-risk months due to their extreme UV levels, where burn time is as little as 10 minutes. April and September transition into very high exposure categories, reducing burn time to 15 minutes. As we move into May through July, the UV Index drops to moderate levels, allowing for a safer exposure of 30 minutes; however, it is essential to remain cautious. By August, the risk increases again to a high category with a burn time of 25 minutes. Visitors and residents should take adequate precautions during these high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize 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 | 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 |