Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Oakhurst, Australia. With its Cfa climate, Oakhurst experiences varying levels of sun exposure that can significantly impact skin health. The UV Index indicates the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, making it essential for everyone to stay informed, particularly during peak hours when levels can soar to 6—a point that signals a high risk of sunburn. By grasping the importance of these UV levels, you can take proactive measures to protect your skin and enjoy the outdoors safely, minimizing the risk of long-term damage.
The UV Index starts low in the early morning, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. As the day progresses, the intensity rises sharply, peaking at 6 between 11:00 and 12:00—the perfect time to take precautions if heading outside. By 13:00, it dips slightly to 5, and a more noticeable decline occurs in the afternoon, falling to 2 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index drops off sharply, reaching 1 by 16:00, and finally 0 past 18:00. It’s clear that midday sun calls for some sun safety measures, but the later hours provide a much more forgiving environment for enjoying the outdoors!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 variation, with the highest values occurring from January to March and in November and December, where it reaches an extreme level of 15 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are January, February, March, October, November, and December, where precautions are vital due to extreme levels. In contrast, April shows a notably high UV Index of 10, while May and July present a moderate risk with indices of 7 and 6, respectively. As summer approaches, June and August maintain a moderate to high risk, with indices of 5 and 9, respectively. Residents and visitors should be aware of these fluctuations and take protective measures, particularly during high-risk months. Wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak UV hours are essential steps for safe sun 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 |
| Oakhurst | 15 | 15 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 |