Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Adelaide, Australia, where the sun can be both a delightful companion and a potential health risk. With the UV levels peaking around midday, awareness of these fluctuations can help you effectively prevent sunburn and protect your skin's health. Adelaide's Csb climate brings warm summers and mild winters, often subjecting its inhabitants to varying degrees of sun exposure. By knowing the UV index, you can take informed steps to enjoy the outdoors while minimizing the risk of skin damage.
As the day begins, the UV Index starts off low, peaking at 1 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. However, by 9:00 AM, it climbs to 3, indicating a moderate increase in UV exposure. The real intensity is felt around 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where the index reaches its maximum of 5, suggesting a need for sun protection during these hours. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 2 by 3:00 PM and tapering off to 0 by 5:00 PM onwards, signaling a safe period to enjoy outdoor activities without concern for UV rays. Stay vigilant during the peak hours to keep your skin protected!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | 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 |