Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Palmerston, Australia, where the tropical climate can lead to significant sun exposure. With daily UV levels reaching a maximum of 10, awareness of the UV Index can help prevent harmful sunburns and promote long-term skin health. As temperatures soar, particularly around midday, the risk of UV-related skin damage increases, making it essential to monitor these levels regularly. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can make smarter choices to protect your skin while enjoying the abundant sunshine this vibrant region has to offer.
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 |
| Palmerston | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 16 |