Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of West Wyalong, Australia, as it plays a vital role in sun safety and skin health. With a climate classified as Cfa, the region experiences significant UV exposure, especially during peak hours. The UV levels can rise to 5 around midday, highlighting the importance of monitoring this index to prevent sunburn and reduce long-term skin risks. By staying informed about local UV conditions, you can enjoy the outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a notable oscillation in sun exposure. Early morning hours from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM see a mild UV Index of 1, indicating minimal risk. As the sun ascends, the intensity rises sharply, peaking at 5 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, marking the day’s highest risk for skin damage. Following this peak, the index tapers off in the afternoon, returning to a manageable 2 by 3:00 PM, before descending to a safe 0 by 6:00 PM. It’s clear that the primary concern for sun safety lies during mid-day; ensure to protect your skin when the UV Index hits its zenith!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
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 |