Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Laura, Australia, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense. With a climate characterized by hot summers and ample sunshine, awareness of UV levels can help prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. For instance, during peak hours, the UV Index can soar to 10, indicating a very high risk of harm. Staying informed about these levels not only promotes safer outdoor activities but also encourages practices that safeguard your skin for the long term. Remember, even on cooler days, the sun can still pose risks, so checking the UV Index should be a daily habit for all Louisans!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it escalates to 4, indicating a moderate level of UV exposure. The sun reaches its peak intensity around 12:00 PM, where the index hits a striking 10, signaling a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. Fortunately, this intensity diminishes in the afternoon; by 3:00 PM, it drops to 5, and by 6:00 PM, it plummets to 0. As the day winds down, it's clear that midday is when the sun's rays are most perilous, urging sun safety precautions during those peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | 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 values exhibit significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring from January to April, where the UV Index reaches an extreme range of 15 to 16 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. February shows the peak UV levels, emphasizing the need for caution during this period. The UV Index decreases slightly from May to June, falling into a very high rating of 8 to 10, allowing for a slightly greater burn time of 15 minutes. However, as summer transitions into fall, August to October sees another extreme spike, particularly in September with a UV Index of 14. November and December maintain similar extreme levels, warning visitors and residents to protect their skin accordingly. Given this data, it is advised that individuals exercise extra caution during the high-risk months of January to April and August to October, ensuring to apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure, especially during peak sunlight hours.
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 |
| Laura | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 16 |