Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of the Gold Coast, Australia, where sunny days are abundant. Awareness of UV levels not only helps prevent sunburn but also plays a pivotal role in maintaining skin health over time. With a humid subtropical climate typical of the Gold Coast, UV exposure can be surprisingly high, especially during the midday hours when the index peaks at 6. Regularly checking the UV Index allows you to enjoy the beautiful beaches while protecting your skin, ensuring that fun in the sun remains safe and enjoyable!
Experience the sun's embrace with our hourly UV Index data, highlighting the day's peak exposure times. The morning starts gently at 7:00 with a UV Index of 1, gradually climbing to 2 by 8:00 and reaching 3 at 9:00. The real heat kicks in at 10:00, where the index spikes to 5, peaking at 11:00 and 12:00 with a remarkable 6. As the afternoon unfolds, the index dips to 5 at 13:00 and gently declines further to 4 by 14:00. A gradual retreat follows, with readings of 2 at 15:00, 1 for the last hours until sunset, and finally dropping to 0 by 18:00 and throughout the evening. Stay protected and embrace the sunshine wisely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | 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 |