Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Woolamia, Australia, where the unique climate of the Cfb zone can lead to variable UV exposure throughout the day. Monitoring UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining healthy skin, especially during peak hours when the index reaches 5 around midday. With the sun’s rays becoming increasingly intense as the day progresses, even a short exposure can put you at risk. Whether you’re enjoying the local beaches or outdoor activities, being aware of the UV Index helps you take the necessary precautions to safeguard your skin against potential damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, providing a safe environment for morning activities. The intensity gradually increases, reaching 2 by 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it climbs to 4, indicating a moderate level of UV exposure. The peak arrives at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where the index hits 5, signaling a need for sun protection. The afternoon sees a decline, with readings at 4 at 1:00 PM, tapering to 3 by 2:00 PM. As the day begins to wind down, the UV Index drops steadily back to 1 by 4:00 PM, and sinks to 0 after 6:00 PM. This hourly data highlights the importance of safeguarding against UV exposure, especially during the midday hours.
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | 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 |
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, with the highest levels occurring during the winter months of January and February (UV Index 14), classified as extreme, where even short exposure can lead to sunburn in just 10 minutes. A similarly high index is observed in November (UV Index 12) and December (UV Index 14). As spring approaches, March maintains an extreme level (UV Index 12), while April drops slightly to very high (UV Index 8), allowing for a bit more exposure time at 15 minutes. Summer months see a decrease in UV levels, with June and July maintaining a moderate UV Index of 3, requiring around 30 minutes of exposure before risking a burn. As autumn arrives, the UV Index rises to 7 in September (high) before dropping again in October (very high, UV Index 10). During these times, it's crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions, especially from November to March, ensuring proper sun protection such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
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 |
| Woolamia | 14 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 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 |
| Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |