UV Index in Charleston, Australia

Last updated: August 1, 2025

In Charleston, Australia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring you enjoy the sunny days without consequence. Charleston's BSk climate brings unique challenges, with UV exposure peaking around midday when values can spike to 4, indicating moderate risk. By monitoring the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about sun protection, allowing you to safely embrace the beautiful, sunny days in this charming coastal town.

Hourly UV Index in Charleston

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!

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	2	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	5	moderate	30 min
14:00	3	moderate	30 min
15:00	2	low	45 min
16:00	1	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 Charleston

Throughout the year, UV index levels exhibit significant seasonal changes, with the highest risks occurring from November to March, where the index reaches extreme levels of 14 to 15 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. In contrast, the spring and summer months show a gradual decrease in UV exposure, with May through July categorized as moderate (UV Index 3 to 5) and allowing for burn times of 30 minutes. April and September present a shift back to high risk, falling into the very high category with a UV Index of 8 and a burn time of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors should take extra precautions during the high-risk months, particularly by wearing appropriate sun protection and limiting sun exposure to reduce the risk of skin damage, especially within the extreme months.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Charleston, Australia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Charleston. 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston UV Index with Other Australia Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Charleston 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.

Charleston'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
Charleston	14	13	12	8	5	3	4	5	8	10	13	15
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