Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Cooktown, Australia, where the tropical climate brings potent sun exposure year-round. With UV levels often reaching a peak of 10 at midday, being aware of these levels is crucial for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. Cooktown's vibrant outdoors can be appealing, but the risks associated with high UV exposure—such as skin damage and increased cancer risk—should not be overlooked. Stay informed about the UV Index to enjoy the sunshine safely while protecting your skin!
The hourly UV Index reveals a dynamic range of sun exposure today. Starting off at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the index steadily climbs, peaking at a striking 10 by 12:00 PM—the peak exposure time. As the sun reaches its zenith, caution is advised for outdoor activities during the 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM window when the index remains high at 9 and 10. Following this midday surge, the index gracefully descends; by 3:00 PM, it dips to 4 and continues to decline to 1 by 5:00 PM. Finally, after a brief respite, the UV rays fade to 0 by 6:00 PM, signaling a safe return for evening outdoor plans. Stay sun-smart and enjoy the day wisely!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | 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 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 |