Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in the stunning Gold Coast, Australia is crucial for both residents and visitors alike. With its beautiful beaches and sunny climate categorized as Cfa, the potential for sunburn and skin damage increases significantly during peak hours. The UV levels in Gold Coast can reach as high as 5 between 11 AM and 1 PM, making it essential to monitor these levels for effective sun protection. By staying informed about UV exposure risks, you can safeguard your skin health, enjoy outdoor activities, and prevent the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure. Awareness is your best defense against UV-related health issues!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, providing a safe environment for morning activities. The intensity gradually increases, reaching 2 by 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it climbs to 4, indicating a moderate level of UV exposure. The peak arrives at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where the index hits 5, signaling a need for sun protection. The afternoon sees a decline, with readings at 4 at 1:00 PM, tapering to 3 by 2:00 PM. As the day begins to wind down, the UV Index drops steadily back to 1 by 4:00 PM, and sinks to 0 after 6:00 PM. This hourly data highlights the importance of safeguarding against UV exposure, especially during the midday hours.
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 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 |
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 |