Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Gladstone, Australia is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's Cfa climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters, UV levels can soar, particularly during midday hours. By keeping a close eye on UV levels, you can prevent sunburn and minimize long-term skin damage. For instance, midday readings can reach levels as high as 8, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Equip yourself with this knowledge to enjoy the beautiful sun while safeguarding your skin!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, signaling a mild increase in UV exposure. The intensity heats up quickly, reaching a moderate 4 by 9:00 AM, before hitting its peak of 8 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This is the prime time for sun safety awareness! After noon, the UV Index gradually declines; by 3:00 PM, it recedes to 3, and as the day wanes, it drops significantly to 1 by 4:00 PM. By evening, UV levels have diminished, reaching 0 by 6:00 PM, offering a reprieve from the sun’s rays.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, peaking in the winter months, specifically from January to February with an extreme index of 15, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. March continues with a high index of 14 before dropping to 11 in April; however, the risk remains extreme for these months. As we transition into May and June, the UV Index decreases slightly to 8 and 6, representing very high and high exposure categories, respectively, with burn times extending to 15 and 25 minutes. Notable high-risk months return in September and November, where the index reaches 11 and 14, respectively, each again requiring only 10 minutes of exposure to cause burns. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, particularly during peak sun hours to minimize UV exposure and potential skin damage.
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 |
| Gladstone | 15 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 |