Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Hughenden, Australia, where the sun's intensity can pose significant risks to skin health. With typical summer temperatures in the BSh climate zone and UV readings soaring as high as 8 during midday hours, it’s essential to be aware of the potential for sunburn and skin damage. By keeping an eye on UV levels, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful ultraviolet radiation, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable time outdoors.
During the day, the UV Index displays a clear progression, peaking in intensity as time goes on. At 7:00 AM, the index starts at a modest level of 1, indicating minimal risk. By 10:00 AM, it rises sharply to 5, signaling a need for sun protection. The index reaches its zenith between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM at a notable 8, suggesting that precautions are essential during these hours to prevent skin damage. As the afternoon progresses, it begins to wane, dropping to 6 by 2:00 PM and declining further through the afternoon, reaching 0 by 6:00 PM. Such fluctuations highlight the importance of monitoring UV levels throughout the day to stay safe while enjoying the sun.
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, indicating a heightened risk of skin damage during certain months. From January to April, the UV Index remains exceedingly high, ranging from 12 to 16, with a burn time of just 10 minutes, categorizing these months as extreme risk. May marks a slight decrease to a UV Index of 9 (very high, 15-minute burn time), while June and July show a UVA index of 7 and 8 respectively, categorized as high to very high, with burn times extending to 25 and 15 minutes. As summer ends, August and September reflect a return to extreme levels (11 and 13) with a 10-minute burn time. Notably, October and November spike again to a UV Index of 15 and 16, maintaining that extreme classification and a quick burn time. December continues this trend, demanding vigilance with an extreme index of 16. Visitors and residents are advised to prioritize sun safety measures, particularly from January to April and in August and October, using sunblock and protective clothing to mitigate the harmful effects of intense UV radiation.
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 |
| Hughenden | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 |