Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Darwin, Australia, where the tropical climate brings heightened sun exposure year-round. With UV levels often peaking at 10 during the midday hours, knowledge of these fluctuations can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and promoting long-term skin health. As you enjoy the beautiful outdoors, be aware that the intense Darwin sun can pose risks, especially during peak sunlight hours. Stay informed, stay protected, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this stunning region!
The UV Index data reveals a clear pattern of increasing sun intensity throughout the day. Starting at a mild value of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the UV levels swiftly climb to moderate levels of 3 by 09:00. By 10:00, the intensity escalates significantly to 6, reaching its peak at 12:00 and 13:00 with a formidable 10. This indicates a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure during midday hours. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually declines, dropping to 8 at 14:00, then to 5 by 15:00, and falls sharply to a serene 1 by 17:00. The evening brings relief with a 0 reading from 18:00 onward, allowing for a pleasant end to a sun-soaked day. Remember to stay protected during the peak hours to enjoy the outdoors safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | 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 exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, particularly peaking during the winter months and remaining high into early spring. The highest-risk months for UV exposure are January to April, where the UV Index ranges between 13 and 16, categorizing exposure as extreme, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. As summer approaches, while the UV Index drops slightly to 9 and 10 in June and July with very high exposure categories, caution is still advised as burn times increase to 15 minutes. The trend then shifts back to extreme levels from August to December. Therefore, visitors and residents should take precautionary measures year-round, particularly from January to April, ensuring ample sun protection, including sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade 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 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 |
| Darwin | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 16 |