Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Blackwater, Australia, where the climate falls within the BSh (semi-arid) zone, leading to significant sun exposure throughout the year. Being aware of UV levels is crucial not only for preventing sunburn but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With midday UV levels peaking at a striking 7, the risk of skin damage increases considerably from 10 AM to 2 PM. Whether you’re enjoying the outdoors or commuting, knowing the UV index helps you take the necessary precautions to protect your skin against harmful rays and embrace the sun safely.
At dawn, the UV Index starts off low, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rises higher, it reaches 3 by 09:00, before climbing to a peak of 7 at 12:00. This midday intensity signifies a need for sun protection, especially during the height of the day when UV exposure is most potent. The index begins to decline in the afternoon, dropping to 5 at 14:00 and settling back to 1 by 17:00. By 18:00 and into the evening, the UV Index sharply drops to 0, marking a safe time to enjoy outdoor activities without the risk of sunburn. Stay sun-safe!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | 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 |