Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Cooktown, Australia, is vital for maintaining your skin's health and preventing sunburn. With its tropical climate, Cooktown experiences high UV levels, especially during midday hours, making it crucial for residents and visitors to recognize the risks associated with sun exposure. As UV Index readings can soar to a maximum of 9 around noon, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in safeguarding your skin. Stay informed and enjoy the beautiful Australian sun responsibly!
The UV Index experiences a notable rise throughout the morning, starting from a mellow 1 at 07:00 and gradually climbing to its peak at 12:00 with a striking 9. As the day progresses, the intensity begins to wane, dropping to 4 by 15:00 and descending further to 1 by 17:00. By the evening, the UV Index dips into the safety zone, showing 0 by 18:00 and remaining there for the rest of the night. This daily sunlight pattern underscores the importance of protection during peak hours, especially between 11:00 and 13:00 when exposure is at its highest.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | 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 |