Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Theodore, Australia, particularly given its BSh climate, characterized by hot, dry summers. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 6 during midday hours, awareness of these values can significantly impact sun safety, preventing painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. By recognizing when UV exposure is at its highest, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin, enjoying the beautiful outdoors while minimizing health risks. So, let’s delve into the UV Index specifics and keep your sun safety game strong!
The UV Index demonstrates its daily rhythm, starting off softly with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun climbs, the intensity increases, peaking at a robust 6 from 11:00 to 13:00, encouraging sun safety awareness during these hours. Following the midday high, the index gently declines, dropping to 4 at 14:00, and tapering off to 1 by 16:00. As the sun sets, it graciously recedes into 0 by 18:00, ensuring that the evening hours bring a respite from UV exposure. Remember to protect your skin when the index is high, especially during the bustling hours of noon!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 demonstrates significant seasonal variations, with the highest readings occurring from January to April, where it consistently remains at 15 and is categorized as extreme, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. Notably, February and November also maintain this extreme level, suggesting high-risk periods throughout the year. As we move into May and August, the index drops slightly to 8 and 9, categorized as very high, allowing a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. The summer months of June and July see a decrease to a UV index of 6, considered high, with a burn time extending to 25 minutes. However, the risk escalates again in the fall with an increased index of 11 in September and October, returning to extreme levels. Thus, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to protect their skin during these high UV months, primarily from January to April and September to November, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible.
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 |
| Theodore | 15 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 |