Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Howard, Australia, is crucial for residents and visitors alike, as it plays a significant role in protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. With the local climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters (Cfa), the UV levels can fluctuate dramatically, posing various risks throughout the day. Notably, between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the UV Index peaks at 6, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while maintaining your skin's health.
The UV Index starts low in the early morning, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. As the day progresses, the intensity rises sharply, peaking at 6 between 11:00 and 12:00—the perfect time to take precautions if heading outside. By 13:00, it dips slightly to 5, and a more noticeable decline occurs in the afternoon, falling to 2 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index drops off sharply, reaching 1 by 16:00, and finally 0 past 18:00. It’s clear that midday sun calls for some sun safety measures, but the later hours provide a much more forgiving environment for enjoying the outdoors!
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 | 4 | 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 exhibit significant seasonal variations, with extreme exposure occurring from January to April and again in October to November. The highest risk months are January, February, and November, when the UV Index consistently hits 15, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. In the spring (March to May), the index gradually decreases, transitioning to very high levels during May and August to September, with burn times extending to 15 minutes. The summer months of June and July see a high UV Index of 6, allowing for a longer exposure time of 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to use sunscreen and protective clothing during the high risk months, especially when the UV Index is 8 or higher, and to take particular care in extreme categories to prevent 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 |
Howard | 15 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 15 |