Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of West Wyalong, Australia, where sunny days are a hallmark of the Cfa climate. Awareness of UV levels is essential not only for enjoying the beautiful outdoors safely but also for preventing sunburn and safeguarding your skin health. With UV exposure peaking at a level of 4 around midday, it's important to take precautions, especially during those hours when the sun's rays are at their most intense. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can protect yourself and your loved ones while basking in the sunshine that West Wyalong is known for!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic pattern of sun intensity. In the morning, it starts off low, peaking at 1 by 09:00. As the sun climbs higher, we see a steady increase with the index reaching 3 by 11:00. The highest point occurs from 12:00 to 13:00, where the UV Index hits a robust 4, indicating a need for sun protection during those hours. Following this peak, the index gradually declines, returning to 2 at 15:00, and then dropping back down to 0 by 18:00, marking the end of significant UV exposure for the day. Plan your outdoor activities accordingly to stay safe under the sun!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index displays significant seasonal changes that pose varying risks to visitors and residents. January, February, and March are particularly hazardous months, classified as having an extreme exposure category with UV indices ranging from 14 to 15, requiring an urgent caution due to a burn time of only 10 minutes. As we transition into April, the UV Index drops to 8, still very high, but allows for a slightly longer exposure time of 15 minutes. The UV levels moderate in May and June with indices at 5 and 3 respectively, granting burn times of 30 minutes, but caution should still be exercised. The threat returns in September and October, with significant values of 8 and 11, reintroducing the extreme risk outlined earlier. November continues this pattern with a UV Index of 13, and December closes the year with another extreme category at 15. Residents and visitors are advised to take appropriate precautions during high-risk months, especially from October to March, using adequate sun protection such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing while limiting direct sun exposure during peak 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 |
| West Wyalong | 15 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
| 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 |