Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Walcha, Australia, where the blend of cooler temperatures and high sun exposure can lead to unexpected sunburn and long-term skin health issues. With what we know about UV levels—peaking around a moderate 4 during midday—it's essential to be aware of when to seek shade or slather on sunscreen, especially in summer months. Living in a Cfb climate, Walcha typically experiences a mix of mild winters and warm summers, making it important to stay educated about UV risks to safeguard your skin year-round. Being informed empowers you to enjoy the beautiful outdoors without compromising your health!
Throughout the day, the UV Index exhibits a clear pattern of intensity. Starting off low in the morning, it registers a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, indicating minimal risk for sun exposure. As the sun climbs higher, the index gradually increases, peaking at 4 between 11:00 and 13:00, where caution is advised for prolonged outdoor activities. After this peak, the index begins to taper off, dropping back to 1 by 15:00 and reaching 0 by 17:00, signaling the end of the day’s sun exposure concerns. Overall, it's a day that calls for sun safety measures during midday, but becomes safer as the evening approaches.
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index displays significant seasonal changes, highlighting periods of heightened exposure risk. From January to March, UV levels remain extremely high, with indices soaring up to 16 and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. April marks a transition as the index dips to 9 (very high), with burn times extending to 15 minutes. May and August experience high levels, with indices of 7, allowing for a slightly safer 25-minute burn time. As summer progresses, June and July see a moderate UV Index of 4 and 5, respectively, allowing for 30 minutes before sunburn risk increases. The fall months, particularly September, return to levels of 9, reintroducing very high exposure risk. By October and November, the season again shifts to extreme, with indices at 12 and 14, reducing burn times to 10 minutes once more. Finally, December closes the year with similar high risks as January, reiterating the importance of vigilant sun protection. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to take appropriate precautions during high-risk months (January to March and October to November), including wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
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 |
| Walcha | 16 | 15 | 13 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
| Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |