UV Index in Townsville, Australia

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Townsville, Australia, where the sun’s rays can be particularly strong due to the city's warm climate. Awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health, especially during those peak hours when the index spikes. In Townsville, the UV Index can soar to a level of 8 around midday, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As you enjoy the beautiful outdoor lifestyle that Townsville has to offer, keeping an eye on the UV Index can help you stay safe and healthy under the sun.

Hourly UV Index in Townsville

At dawn, the UV Index remains low, peaking at 1 by 08:00. As the sun rises higher, a notable increase occurs, reaching 3 at 09:00 and escalating dramatically to a maximum of 8 from 12:00 to 13:00. This midday surge indicates a higher risk for sun exposure, making it essential to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing. The intensity then gradually declines, dropping to 4 by 15:00, and continuing its descent to 0 by 19:00, marking the end of the sun’s peak influence for the day. Stay mindful of these hourly fluctuations to enjoy the sun safely!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	5	moderate	30 min
11:00	7	high	25 min
12:00	8	very high	15 min
13:00	8	very high	15 min
14:00	6	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Townsville

The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with extreme levels recorded from January to April and again in August through November. Notably, the highest risk months are January, February, and March, where the UV Index peaks at 16 and a mere 10 minutes of exposure can lead to sunburn. As the season progresses into summer, the risk decreases slightly, with June showing a high index of 7 and a longer burn time of 25 minutes. However, visitors and residents should remain cautious, especially during the very high months of May and July, when the burn time reduces back to 15 minutes. Overall, it is crucial for everyone to take protective measures against UV exposure year-round, particularly in these high-risk months, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Townsville, Australia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Townsville. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Townsville, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Townsville UV Index with Other Australia Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Townsville compares to other major locations across Australia. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Townsville's solar exposure compared to other cities in Australia. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Townsville	16	16	14	12	9	7	8	11	13	14	15	16