Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Mission Beach, Australia, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for ensuring your skin's health and preventing sunburn. With tropical conditions that offer ample sunshine, understanding UV levels can help you enjoy outdoor activities while protecting yourself from harmful rays. During peak hours, particularly around midday when the UV Index reaches up to 9, the risk of skin damage increases significantly. By being aware of these levels, you can make smarter decisions about sun protection and enjoy everything this beautiful beach destination has to offer without compromising your skin health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at a comfortable 1 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it jumps to 3, signaling a gradual increase in sun exposure. The intensity peaks around 12:00 PM, reaching an impressive 9, making midday the most critical time for sun safety. As the afternoon unfolds, the index slowly declines; it drops to 7 by 2:00 PM, then further decreases to 4 at 3:00 PM. The later hours offer a gentle reprieve, with values falling to 1 by 5:00 PM and ultimately 0 by 6:00 PM. Remember, during those peak hours, it’s essential to protect your skin!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | 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 shows significant seasonal variability, highlighting high-risk months from January to April, where UV levels are classified as extreme with an index of 16 in January, February, and December, and a slight decrease to 13 in April. During these months, the burn time is just 10 minutes, making it critical for visitors and residents to take precautions against excessive sun exposure. As the summer months progress, UV levels decrease slightly, with very high levels reaching a maximum of 10 in May and 11 in August, and a recommended burn time of 15 minutes. To protect their skin, it's advisable for everyone to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours, especially between January and April and in late summer. Regular monitoring of the UV Index is essential to ensure safe outdoor activities year-round.
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 |
| Mission Beach | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 16 |