Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Airlie Beach, Australia, is crucial for both residents and visitors alike. With its tropical climate and ample sunny days, the region poses significant UV exposure risks, particularly during peak hours when the UV Index can soar to 8 around midday. By monitoring UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn, safeguard your skin health, and enjoy the beautiful outdoors with confidence. Awareness and proactive protection are key to enjoying the splendor of Airlie Beach while minimizing the risks associated with high UV radiation.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a clear pattern, peaking around noon with a maximum value of 8, indicating that sun protection is crucial during this time. Starting from a low of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index rises steadily, hitting 5 by 10:00. It escalates to its highest point at 12:00, before gradually declining to 7 at 13:00 and then dropping further as the afternoon progresses. By 16:00, the index has decreased to 2, and finally, it settles to 0 by 18:00, meaning minimal risk of harm from sun exposure as daylight fades. For outdoor enthusiasts, the best advice is to stay safe and protect against UV rays, especially around midday!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | 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, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest values recorded during the winter and early spring months. January, February, and March all display an extreme UV Index of 16 and 15, with a burn time of merely 10 minutes. Following these months, while April remains at 12 (extreme) and May dips to 9 (very high), risk continues into the summer with July at 8 (very high). Notably, August, September, and October return to extreme levels, peaking again at 14 in October and exceeding 10 minutes of burn time. Given this data, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take appropriate precautions during high-risk months—particularly from January to April and August to October—by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting direct sun exposure to protect against harmful UV rays.
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 |
| Airlie Beach | 16 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 16 |