Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Palmerston, Australia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the tropical climate of the region, UV levels can soar, especially during midday hours, making awareness indispensable for effective sunburn prevention. On sunny days, the UV Index can reach peaks of 10 or higher, signifying a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about these levels, residents and visitors can take proactive measures to safeguard their skin and enjoy the great outdoors safely, ensuring that spending time under the sun doesn't come at the cost of their health.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a clear progression of intensity, peaking sharply during midday. Starting from a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, the index climbs steadily, reaching a moderate 3 by 9:00 AM. However, as the sun ascends, the UV intensity escalates dramatically, hitting a striking 10 at 12:00 PM—the highest level of the day. This peak is followed by a gradual decline, with readings of 9 at 1:00 PM, 7 at 2:00 PM, and tapering down to a more manageable 4 by 3:00 PM. As the sun begins to set, the UV levels drop quickly, returning to 1 at 5:00 PM and finally fading to 0 by 6:00 PM. Stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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, 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 |