Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Yirrkala, Australia is crucial for residents and visitors alike, as it plays a vital role in sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. With a tropical climate characterized by high UV exposure, particularly from 10 AM to 2 PM, knowing the UV levels can help you protect yourself from harmful effects like skin damage and increased cancer risk. As the UV Index peaks at 9 during midday, being aware of these levels is essential for enjoying the beautiful outdoor landscapes of Yirrkala without compromising your health. Stay informed and stay safe!
The UV Index throughout the day demonstrates a distinct peak during the midday hours, reaching its maximum of 9 at 11:00 AM and again at 12:00 PM. As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mere 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 4 by 9:00 AM. However, once the clock strikes 10:00 AM, the intensity escalates sharply to 7 before hitting its zenith. Following this, there is a slight tapering off in the afternoon hours, with values nearing 6 at 2:00 PM and gradually decreasing to 3 by 3:00 PM. As daylight wanes, the UV Index plummets, dropping to 1 by 4:00 PM and finally settling at 0 by 6:00 PM, signaling an end to the sun's powerful rays for the day. This data emphasizes the importance of sun protection, especially during those peak hours between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with extreme levels typically persisting from January to April and returning in August and September. The highest risk months are January to March and October to December, each registering a UV Index between 15 and 16, indicating an extreme exposure category with a burn time of only 10 minutes. Conversely, the UV Index slightly decreases in June and July, reaching 9 to 10 and classified as very high, allowing for a marginally longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take necessary precautions during high-risk months, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours to mitigate UV exposure.
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 |
| Yirrkala | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 16 |