Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Wadeye, Australia, where intense sunlight is a common feature of the dry tropical climate. With UV levels peaking at 10 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations is vital for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health. As the sun's rays become increasingly potent, particularly from 11 AM to 1 PM, it's essential to take protective measures. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can enjoy the warm outdoor lifestyle of Wadeye while safeguarding your skin against potential damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual climb, starting at a mere 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it doubles to 2, hinting at the promise of a brighter day. The index reaches 4 at 9:00 AM, marking the start of a moderate risk for sun exposure. By 10:00 AM, it escalates to 6, prompting outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions. The zenith arrives at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, where the index peaks at an intense 10—a clear signal to seek shade and apply sunscreen! Although it dips to 8 at 2:00 PM, the threat remains, before gradually declining to 5 at 3:00 PM and then dropping further to 2 at 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index falls to 1 by 5:00 PM and returns to 0 by 6:00 PM, echoing the day's safe closure. With a day full of varied UV exposure, it's crucial to stay sun-smart during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | 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, UV Index values exhibit significant seasonal variations, with the highest readings between January and April, where values peak at 16 and are categorized as extreme, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. August to November also presents high-risk months, where the index fluctuates between 11 and 16, indicating extreme exposure for limited durations. In contrast, May and June offer a slight respite with very high indexes of 10 and 9 and longer burn times of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors should prioritize sun protection strategies, especially during peak months, to prevent skin damage; this includes wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
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 |
| Wadeye | 16 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 16 |