Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Kuranda, Australia, a beautiful location known for its tropical climate and stunning outdoor activities. With UV levels peaking during midday, awareness of these levels can significantly aid in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. On sunny days, the index can reach hazardous levels, highlighting the importance of safeguarding your skin. As Kuranda enjoys a warm climate year-round, knowing when the risk is highest—typically between 10 AM and 2 PM—ensures that you can make informed decisions about sun exposure, keeping yourself safe while enjoying this vibrant region.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic day of sun exposure, starting off gently with a low of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index begins to rise sharply, peaking at 10 by noon, signaling ideal conditions for outdoor activities—though caution is advised. The intensity remains high as it slightly dips to 9 at 1:00 PM and 7 at 2:00 PM, before tapering off in the afternoon. By 4:00 PM, the index drops to 2, and the sun’s intensity continues to fade, reaching 0 by 6:00 PM. This hourly trend underscores the importance of sun safety during peak hours, particularly from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, when protection is most crucial.
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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
15:00 | 5 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels reveal significant seasonal changes that affect exposure risk. The high-risk months for UV exposure include January through April, where the index consistently ranks between 13 and 16, categorizing it as extreme and resulting in a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. As summer approaches, from May to July, the UV Index drops slightly but remains in the very high category, with a burn time extending to 15 minutes. By late summer and into fall (August to November), the index returns to extreme levels again, urging caution. It is essential for both visitors and residents to take protective measures—such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses—especially during the high-risk months to mitigate skin damage from UV exposure.
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 |
Kuranda | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 16 |