Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Mission Beach, Australia, where the tropical climate brings abundant sunshine year-round. With the risk of harmful UV radiation peaking during midday hours, staying informed about UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. As you enjoy the beautiful beaches and lush scenery, it's vital to be aware of the UV readings, especially when they reach a high of 8 in the early afternoon. Protecting your skin while indulging in outdoor activities will ensure that your time in this stunning coastal paradise remains safe and enjoyable.
At dawn, the UV Index remains low, peaking at 1 by 08:00. As the sun rises higher, a notable increase occurs, reaching 3 at 09:00 and escalating dramatically to a maximum of 8 from 12:00 to 13:00. This midday surge indicates a higher risk for sun exposure, making it essential to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing. The intensity then gradually declines, dropping to 4 by 15:00, and continuing its descent to 0 by 19:00, marking the end of the sun’s peak influence for the day. Stay mindful of these hourly fluctuations to enjoy the sun safely!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | 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 |