Last updated: May 3, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index in Blackwater, Australia is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn, especially with the region's hot semi-arid climate (BSh). Understanding local UV levels helps residents and visitors alike take proactive measures to protect themselves during peak sun exposure hours. With UV Index values reaching as high as 8 around midday, it's essential to stay informed about the risks of sun damage and to use appropriate sun protection strategies. Embrace the sunshine, but make sure you're equipped to enjoy it safely!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a sharp increase in intensity, peaking around 12:00 PM, where it reaches an impressive 8. Early morning hours start softly with a maximum of 1 at 07:00, gradually climbing to 3 by 09:00 and hitting 6 at 10:00. 11:00 marks a significant rise to 7, before hitting the day’s zenith at 12:00. As the afternoon progresses, we see a decline, dropping to 5 by 14:00 and diminishing further to 3 by 15:00. The UV Index then falls sharply in the late afternoon and evening, settling back down to 1 by 17:00 and ultimately reaching 0 as night takes over. It’s crucial to stay safe under the sun during those peak hours, particularly between 11:00 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 shows significant seasonal variation, with the highest levels occurring during the winter and early spring months. From November to March, the UV Index remains in the extreme category, peaking at 16 in December and 15 in January and February, where the burn time is just 10 minutes. As the season progresses into spring and summer, the index experiences a slight decline, with May and August classified as very high (UV Index 8 and 10, respectively) and burn times extending to 15 minutes. The summer months see lower UV levels, with values of 6 and 7 in June and July, allowing for 25 minutes of safe exposure. However, September and October again present extreme conditions, urging vigilance. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during high-risk months—primarily from November to March and during September and October—by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure to reduce 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 |
| Blackwater | 15 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |