Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Galiwinku, Australia, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense. The UV levels typically peak between 10 AM and 1 PM, reaching a maximum of 11, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Awareness of UV levels is vital not only for preventing painful sunburn but also for protecting long-term skin health. With Galiwinku's warm climate, the risk of UV-related health issues amplifies, making it essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions when enjoying outdoor activities.
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. At 7:00 AM, it's a gentle 1, gradually rising to a moderate 2 by 8:00 AM. As the morning progresses, the index makes a substantial jump to 5 at 9:00 AM, peaking at an intense 11 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM—a time when sun protection becomes essential. The heat starts to taper slightly by 1:00 PM with a reading of 10, falling to 7 by 2:00 PM. By late afternoon, the coverage dwindles, dropping to 4 at 3:00 PM and lingering at 2 by 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, the index dwindles further to 1 at 5:00 PM and finally fades to 0 by 6:00 PM. Protect your skin when the sun is strong, especially during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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, UV index levels exhibit significant fluctuations, with the highest values occurring from January to March and December, where an extreme exposure category and a burn time of just 10 minutes characterize these months. Notably, February and March peak at a UV Index of 16. The summer months of June and July see a slight decrease to a UV Index of 10, categorized as very high, allowing for a marginally longer burn time of 15 minutes. However, August and September return to an extreme level, indicating these months along with the preceding winter months pose the highest risk for UV exposure. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to practice sun safety measures, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, particularly from November through March and in late summer.
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 |
| Galiwinku | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 16 |