Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Sunshine Beach, Australia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against the sun's harmful rays. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting overall skin health, especially in a coastal region known for its stunning beaches and vibrant outdoor lifestyle. With typical Cfa climate conditions, Sunshine Beach experiences high UV exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the index peaks at 7. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors can take proactive measures to enjoy the sun safely while minimizing the risk of skin damage.
The UV Index throughout the day offers a clear picture of sun intensity and safety. Starting off at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually rises, reaching a moderate 4 by 9:00 AM. The sun's rays peak sharply at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a maximum intensity of 7, indicating a heightened risk for unprotected skin. As the afternoon unfolds, the index dips to 6 at 1:00 PM, before sliding down to 4 at 2:00 PM. By late afternoon, the UV levels decrease significantly, dropping to 2 by 3:00 PM and further to 1 by 4:00 PM, fading to 0 by 6:00 PM. It's clear: the sun demands respect during peak hours, while evening offers a safe retreat from harmful rays.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
| Sunshine Beach | 15 | 15 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 |