Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Adelaide, Australia, where the sun's intensity can fluctuate dramatically throughout the day. With the region's Csb climate, sun exposure can lead to varying UV levels, making it essential to protect your skin from potential damage. Awareness of UV levels not only aids in preventing painful sunburns but also promotes long-term skin health. During midday hours, when the UV Index reaches levels 3 and 4, taking precautions is vital to ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience. Stay informed about the UV Index to keep your skin protected while enjoying the vibrant beauty of Adelaide!
The UV Index for today presents a gradual rise in intensity as the morning unfolds, peaking at 12:00 PM with a score of 4, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Early hours from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM remain low, with values of 1-2. As the clock strikes 10:00 AM, the index jumps to 3, signaling that sun safety precautions should be considered. In the early afternoon, the UV exposure decreases slightly but remains moderate at 3. As the sun begins to descend, the index dips back down to 1 by 15:00 PM and eventually reaches 0 in the evening, reassuring that the UV radiation is minimal. Stay sun-safe during peak hours, and enjoy the rest of your day!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 15:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with elevated levels primarily from November to March, when it frequently reaches the extreme category (UV Index 12-15) and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months are notably January, February, and December, all of which require vigilant sun protection. As the year progresses into April, the index drops to 8, indicating a very high exposure level; here, a burn time increases to 15 minutes. In May, June, July, and August, the UV Index settles into the moderate range (3-5), allowing for a safer exposure of approximately 30 minutes. However, caution is still advised, particularly in September and October, where the index rises again to high and very high levels respectively. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety measures throughout the year, especially during the extreme UV periods, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade.
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 | 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 |