Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Mackay, Australia, being aware of the UV Index is essential for your skin's health and overall well-being. Understanding the varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and help mitigate the long-term risks of skin damage. With a Cwa climate that combines warm temperatures and abundant sunshine, Mackay residents face unique challenges when it comes to UV exposure, especially during peak hours when the index rises to 8 around noon. By staying informed about UV levels, you can better protect yourself and enjoy all that Mackay has to offer while prioritizing your skin health.
The UV Index data paints a vivid picture of sun exposure throughout the day. In the early hours, from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, the UV Index remains low, peaking at only 1. However, as the sun climbs higher, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, it surges to 8 at noon, marking the peak of solar intensity. The afternoon sees a slight decline, with the index dropping to 5 at 2:00 PM and further to 3 by 3:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV levels plummet back to a safe 1 by 4:00 PM, and the sun's diminishing rays result in a 0 by 6:00 PM, signaling a welcome reprieve from UV exposure. Essentially, the peak intensity occurs during midday hours, highlighting the importance of seeking shade and wearing protection during these critical 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels recorded from January to April, where it remains in the extreme category between 16 to 12, resulting in a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. This trend continues with September to December, again reaching extreme levels. The high-risk months for UV exposure are therefore January, February, March, April, September, October, November, and December. In the spring and summer, the index drops slightly, entering the very high category in May and July, where the burn time increases to 15 minutes, and the high category in June with a burn time of 25 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions year-round, particularly in high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize 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 |
| Mackay | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 16 |