Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in South Mission Beach, Australia, where the sun shines brightly throughout the year in a pleasant Cfa climate. Being aware of the changing UV levels can help you effectively prevent sunburn and protect your skin health, especially during peak hours when levels rise significantly. For instance, at noon, the UV Index soars to a high of 9, indicating a strong risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. With this knowledge, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities that South Mission Beach has to offer while safeguarding your skin from the risks of excessive UV exposure.
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 data reveals significant seasonal variations in sun exposure risk throughout the year. January through April displays consistently extreme UV levels, with an alarming index reaching as high as 16 and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. As temperatures rise, May and June transition to a very high UV index, where brief sun exposure can lead to burns in 15 minutes. The risk spikes again in August with another extreme level of 11, and remains significant through October and November. December returns to an extreme rating of 16. Therefore, visitors and residents should exercise caution and prioritize sun safety precautions, particularly from January through April and again in August through November, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours.
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 |
| South Mission Beach | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |