Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors at Goolwa Beach, Australia, where basking in the sun is a favorite pastime. With a climate characterized by mild wet winters and warm dry summers, the risk of UV exposure can vary significantly throughout the day. Knowing the UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns, but it also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. From the peak UV Index of 3 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, awareness is essential to ensure you can enjoy the beach safely while protecting yourself from harmful rays. So whether you’re surfing, sunbathing, or enjoying beach activities, keep an eye on the UV Index to make informed decisions this sun-soaked season!
The UV Index throughout the day presents an interesting pattern of solar exposure. Starting at 07:00, it gently peaks at 1, remaining steady for the next hour. By 09:00, the index climbs to 2, reflecting the sun's increasing intensity. The sun gains momentum, reaching its highest values of 3 by 11:00, and sustaining this level until 13:00. As the afternoon unfolds, the index gradually declines, dropping back to 2 by 14:00 and finally tapering off to a 1 from 15:00 onwards. By the evening, from 17:00 to 19:00, the UV Index dips to 0, indicating a safe period to bask in the fading sunlight. Overall, it’s a day where sun safety is essential, especially during the peak hours!
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 3 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV index levels exhibit significant fluctuations, reflecting seasonal changes in sun exposure. January to March mark the high-risk months, with extreme UV indices of 14 to 11 and a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. April sees a decrease to a very high level with an index of 8 and a burn time of 15 minutes. Transitioning into the summer months from May to July, the UV index drops to a moderate range of 5 to 3, allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. This trend continues into August but shifts to high in September with an index of 7. As the year closes, October to December return to extreme levels of 10 to 14 and shortened burn times once again at 10 to 15 minutes. Residents and visitors should stay vigilant during high-risk months and take necessary sun protection measures, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially from November to March.
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 |
| Goolwa Beach | 14 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 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 |