Last updated: May 3, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents of Weipa, Australia, where the tropical climate can lead to elevated sun exposure risks. Understanding UV levels can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health, helping you to enjoy the beautiful outdoor lifestyle Weipa offers. With typical UV Index readings peaking at a blistering 11 around noon, it’s essential to stay informed about the daily fluctuations and protect yourself from potential skin damage while reveling in the sun-drenched splendor of the region.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a distinct peak in intensity, making it essential to stay sun-safe. Starting with a mild level of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index dramatically rises as the sun ascends, reaching a notable 4 by 09:00. The real break comes between 10:00 and 13:00, where a sharp increase sees the UVI soar to an impressive 11 at its highest point. As the afternoon progresses, the index gently declines, dipping to 9 at 14:00, before tapering off to a comfortable 6 by 15:00. By evening, the intensity fades back to 1 at 17:00 and concludes with a safe level of 0 by 19:00. Remember to take precautions, especially during those peak hours of 11:00 to 13:00 when UV exposure is at its worst!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with the highest readings occurring from January to April, where values remain in the extreme category, peaking at 16. October also shows a spike at 16, indicating that late fall can be just as risky as the early months of the year. The high-risk months for sun exposure are primarily January through April, and October, where the burn time is critically low at just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions during these months by using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to prevent skin damage. From June to July, the UV Index drops slightly to 9-10, which is still categorized as very high, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. However, even then, it's essential to remain vigilant about UV exposure to protect skin health throughout the year.
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 |
| Weipa | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 16 |