Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Mount Gambier, Australia, where the climate can bring unexpected levels of sun exposure. As a community nestled in a Csb climate zone, awareness of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and protects long-term skin health. With the UV Index reaching a moderate 3 around midday, it is vital to take precautions during peak hours, especially when engaging in outdoor activities. Knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in enjoying the beautiful landscapes of Mount Gambier while safeguarding your skin.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases varying levels of sun exposure, beginning with a gentle start at 7:00 AM with a maximum of 1, and slowly climbing to a peak of 3 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This indicates moderate UV radiation, suggesting it's a good time for a sunshine stroll or outdoor activities while wearing SPF protection. As the afternoon rolls in, the index begins to decrease, returning to 1 by 2:00 PM, and finally dipping to 0 by 5:00 PM. This gentle decline signals a comfortable end to the sunny day, making it the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities without the risk of overexposure.
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 14:00 | 1 | 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 demonstrates significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking in January and December with an extreme exposure category of 13 and 14, respectively, and a critical burn time of just 10 minutes. February and March also experience high levels of UV exposure, maintaining an index of 12 and 11, respectively. As spring arrives in April with a UV Index of 7 (high) and burn time of 25 minutes, the risk begins to decrease but remains notable. The summer months of June and July show a moderate UV level of 3, extending burn time to 30 minutes, while August sees a slight increase to 4. However, the risk surges again in September and October, where the UV Index reaches 7 (high) and 9 (very high), with burn times of 25 and 15 minutes, respectively. November also returns to extreme levels with an index of 11. Given these patterns, both visitors and residents should be particularly cautious from November to March and during early spring and fall, taking essential sun protection measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Gambier | 13 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 |
| 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 |
| 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 |