Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Cooktown, Australia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels can help residents and visitors alike prevent sunburn and maintain overall skin health, an essential aspect of enjoying the outdoors safely. Cooktown's subtropical climate is characterized by intense sunlight, particularly during midday hours when the UV Index can peak at an alarming 10. By staying informed about daily UV readings, you can take proactive measures to minimize the risks of prolonged sun exposure and ensure a safe and enjoyable time in this beautiful coastal town.
The UV Index data reveals a clear pattern of increasing sun intensity throughout the day. Starting at a mild value of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the UV levels swiftly climb to moderate levels of 3 by 09:00. By 10:00, the intensity escalates significantly to 6, reaching its peak at 12:00 and 13:00 with a formidable 10. This indicates a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure during midday hours. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually declines, dropping to 8 at 14:00, then to 5 by 15:00, and falls sharply to a serene 1 by 17:00. The evening brings relief with a 0 reading from 18:00 onward, allowing for a pleasant end to a sun-soaked day. Remember to stay protected during the peak hours to enjoy the outdoors safely!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | 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 values exhibit significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring from January to April, where the UV Index reaches an extreme range of 15 to 16 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. February shows the peak UV levels, emphasizing the need for caution during this period. The UV Index decreases slightly from May to June, falling into a very high rating of 8 to 10, allowing for a slightly greater burn time of 15 minutes. However, as summer transitions into fall, August to October sees another extreme spike, particularly in September with a UV Index of 14. November and December maintain similar extreme levels, warning visitors and residents to protect their skin accordingly. Given this data, it is advised that individuals exercise extra caution during the high-risk months of January to April and August to October, ensuring to apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure, especially during peak sunlight hours.
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 |
| Cooktown | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 16 |