Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in West Arnhem, Australia is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's tropical climate, residents and visitors alike are exposed to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day, peaking at a significant UV Index of 10 around noon. This highlights the importance of knowing when the sun's rays are strongest, allowing you to take necessary precautions. By being mindful of UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while minimizing the risks associated with overexposure to sunlight. Stay informed and protect your skin!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a modest 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it gently increases to 2, signaling a day of strengthening rays. The intensity peaks around 12:00 with a striking 10, indicating the time for caution and sun protection. As midday passes, the index gradually declines, dropping to 6 at 14:00 before continuing its descent to 4 at 15:00. By 17:00, it returns to a safer 1, and eventually fades to 0 after 18:00, marking a gentle close to the day. This data underscores the importance of seeking shade and wearing sunscreen during the midday hours when the UV exposure is at its most intense.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | 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 in this region exhibits significant seasonal changes, with high levels observed consistently from January through October. The months of January, February, March, April, and September all present an extreme exposure category with an index of 16, warning that unprotected skin can burn within just 10 minutes. Notably, May and August also reach extreme levels, while June and July experience very high indexes of 9 and 10, respectively, necessitating a 15-minute burn time. It's essential for visitors and residents to remain vigilant, particularly from January to September, when the risk is highest. To protect against harmful UV exposure, it is advisable to wear protective clothing, use broad-spectrum sunscreen, and limit outdoor activities during peak sunlight 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 |
| West Arnhem | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 |