Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Townsville, Australia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With a tropical climate that often boasts high UV levels, being aware of these fluctuations can help you prevent sunburn and reduce long-term skin damage. During peak hours, such as between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the UV Index reaches 7, the risk of harm from the sun's rays increases significantly. By familiarizing yourself with the UV Index and making informed decisions about sun exposure, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoor lifestyle that Townsville offers while keeping your skin safe.
As the sun rises, the UV Index remains low at 1 from 07:00 to 08:00, making it a perfect time for early risers. However, by 09:00, the index climbs to 3, signaling that afternoon activities should be planned cautiously. The peak intensity occurs between 11:00 and 13:00, reaching a maximum of 7, suggesting that sun protection is essential during these hours. Afternoon hours witness a gradual decline as the index dips to 5 at 14:00, followed by a further decrease to 3 by 15:00. As the day winds down, the UV exposure diminishes significantly to 2 at 16:00 and drops to 1 by 17:00, before falling to 0 by 18:00, signaling a safe end to sun exposure for the day. Stay savvy and protect your skin, especially during those peak hours!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | 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 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.
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 |
| Townsville | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |