Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Moonta Bay, Australia, where the sun’s rays can be particularly intense. Being aware of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and protects skin health, which is crucial as Australia experiences high UV exposure, especially during the warmer months. Nestled in a BSk climate zone, Moonta Bay sees peak UV Index values reaching 5 during midday, making it vital to take precautions—such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing—whenever you step outside. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities while safeguarding your skin from harm.
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 |
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.
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 |
| Moonta Bay | 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 |