Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in the Gold Coast, Australia, where the sun shines brightly nearly year-round. With UV levels that can spike during midday, being aware of these readings is essential for preventing sunburn and safeguarding skin health. This coastal city, characterized by its temperate Cfa climate, poses specific risks for overexposure, especially from late morning to early afternoon when the UV Index can reach 5. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beach and outdoor activities safely while protecting your skin!
During the day, the UV Index begins with low values of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity gradually increases, peaking at 5 from 11:00 to 12:00. This is the prime time to protect your skin, so applying sunscreen is highly recommended! The index then starts to decline, falling to 4 at 13:00 and 3 at 14:00, before dropping back down to 1 by 15:00. By late afternoon, from 17:00 onwards, the UV Index dips to 0, signaling a safe return for those looking to enjoy the evening outdoors without worry. Plan your sun exposure wisely to stay protected!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, with January, February, and December marked as extreme risk months, each showing a UV Index of 15 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. These months indicate the highest potential for skin damage, making it crucial for both visitors and residents to prioritize sun protection. As we transition into March and April, the UV Index drops slightly to 13 and 10, respectively, still categorizing early spring as high risk, particularly with a burn time of 15 minutes in April. The risk decreases from May to July, where the maximum UV Index reaches 7 in May and 5 during June and July, allowing for 25 and 30 minutes of burn time respectively. However, August and September see another peak in UV exposure, bouncing back to very high levels with indices of 8 and 9 and a burn time of 15 minutes. October and November return to extreme categorizations with indices of 12 and 13, both requiring caution with a burn time of just 10 minutes. To ensure safety, individuals should consistently apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours, especially during the high-risk months of January, February, October, November, and December.
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 |
| Gold Coast | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 15 |
| Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |