Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Bluewater, Australia, where the sunshine-filled days beckon outdoor activities. With peak UV levels often reaching 9 during midday hours, awareness of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting long-term skin health. In this subtropical climate, the risk of overexposure is heightened, making it vital to stay informed about UV fluctuations throughout the day. By recognizing the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Bluewater outdoors while safeguarding your skin against potential harm.
The UV index throughout the day exhibits a dynamic rise and fall, reflecting the sun's intensity. At 07:00, the index starts low at 1, gradually climbing to 2 by 08:00. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 4, but excitement peaks at 12:00 with a striking 9, indicating a high risk for unprotected skin. The intensity tapers down after this noon pinnacle—falling to 8 at 13:00, then 6 at 14:00. As afternoon turns to evening, the index diminishes significantly, settling at 4 by 15:00, dropping to 2 at 16:00, and finally winding down to 1 by 17:00. As the sun sets, the index recedes completely, hitting 0 by 18:00, leaving a tranquil end to the day. Remember, during peak times, sun protection is crucial!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | 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 | 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 our region presents significant seasonal variations, with the highest risks occurring from January to March and again in November and December, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 16 and burn time is a mere 10 minutes. April also shows extreme exposure with an index of 12, while May and July dip slightly to a very high category, maintaining a burn time of 15 minutes. As visitors and residents enjoy outdoor activities, it is crucial to exercise caution during these high-risk months. Protective measures such as sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade are highly recommended, especially during peak sun hours. Remember, even on cloudy days, UV exposure can still be significant, so staying informed and prepared is key to enjoying the sun safely.
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 |
| Bluewater | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |