Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Kowanyama, Australia, where the sun's intensity can pose significant risks to skin health. With UV levels peaking at 10 during the midday hours, it's essential to be proactive in sunburn prevention and overall skin care. The climate here, classified as Aw, means hot and dry conditions that enhance UV exposure, particularly from late morning to early afternoon. Staying informed about the UV Index helps you make smarter decisions about sun protection, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic shift in sun exposure. Beginning with a gentle maximum of 1 at 07:00, the sun’s intensity gradually rises, reaching 3 by 09:00. As the morning progresses, 10:00 marks a notable increase to 5, leading to a peak at 12:00 where it soars to an impressive 10—a time when sun protection is crucial! The intensity remains high at 10 until 13:00, before tapering off in the afternoon with values of 8 at 14:00, and descending to 5 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the index drops significantly, falling to 1 by 17:00, and fading to 0 at 19:00. This clear pattern underscores the importance of staying aware of UV levels to protect your skin during the sun's most potent hours.
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The seasonal changes in UV Index reveal consistently high levels of UV radiation throughout the year, with particularly high-risk months identified as January through April and August through October, where the UV Index often reaches extreme levels (13-16) and the burn time is notably low, at just 10 minutes. In contrast, May through July exhibit very high UV Index values (8-10) with slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes, indicating elevated sun exposure risk. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to prioritize sun safety during these months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly, especially during peak sun hours to minimize skin damage and potential health risks.
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 |
| Kowanyama | 16 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 |