Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Rainbow Beach, Australia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. With its inviting climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters, the region presents an alluring outdoor lifestyle, but it also comes with heightened UV exposure risks, particularly around midday when the index peaks at 6. Understanding these UV levels empowers residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience under the sun. From protective clothing to sunscreen application, staying informed about the UV Index is an essential step in safeguarding your skin while appreciating the natural beauty of Rainbow Beach.
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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal changes, reflecting varying levels of sun exposure risk. The highest risk months are January, February, March, October, November, and December, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels (15 to 14) and the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. In contrast, May and July show higher UV levels categorized as high (UV Index 7 to 6) with longer safe exposure times of about 25 minutes. The months of April, August, and September are marked as very high, with burn times of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to prioritize sun safety measures, especially from January through March and from October to December, by wearing sun protection, seeking shade, and limiting outdoor activities during peak hours to minimize skin damage.
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 |
Rainbow Beach | 15 | 15 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 |