Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Cairns, Australia is crucial for anyone looking to enjoy the sun safely. With its tropical climate and consistently high UV exposure, Cairns poses a significant risk for sunburn and long-term skin damage. Being aware of UV levels helps you protect your skin and maintain overall health, especially during peak hours when indices can reach up to 9. From 10 AM to 3 PM, the sun's intensity can be relentless, making it essential for residents and visitors alike to stay informed and take proactive measures to shield themselves from harmful rays. Keep your skin safe and enjoy the beauty of Cairns responsibly!
The UV Index for the day presents a dynamic outlook, starting off low with a maximum of 1 at both 7:00 and 8:00 AM, indicating a relatively safe period for outdoor activities. As the sun climbs higher, the index peaks sharply, reaching 9 by 12:00 PM, signaling a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The afternoon shows a slight decline, with readings of 8 at 1:00 PM and 6 at 2:00 PM, but it's important to stay cautious. By 3:00 PM, the UV Index falls to 4, and it continues to decrease, dropping to a safe 0 by 6:00 PM. This pattern highlights the need for sun protection, especially during the midday hours when the UV radiation is at its most intense. Enjoy the sun, but remember to prioritize your skin's health!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 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, UV Index levels reveal significant seasonal changes that affect exposure risk. The high-risk months for UV exposure include January through April, where the index consistently ranks between 13 and 16, categorizing it as extreme and resulting in a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. As summer approaches, from May to July, the UV Index drops slightly but remains in the very high category, with a burn time extending to 15 minutes. By late summer and into fall (August to November), the index returns to extreme levels again, urging caution. It is essential for both visitors and residents to take protective measures—such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses—especially during the high-risk months to mitigate skin damage from 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 |
| Cairns | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 16 |