Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Pukatja, Australia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and lower the risk of long-term skin damage, especially in this BWh climate, where the sun's rays can be intensely powerful. With the UV Index reaching a peak of 8 at noon, it's essential for residents and visitors alike to stay informed and take appropriate precautions to enjoy the outdoor beauty of Pukatja while staying sun-safe. Embrace the sun wisdom and protect your skin!
The UV Index data paints a vivid picture of sun exposure throughout the day. In the early hours, from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, the UV Index remains low, peaking at only 1. However, as the sun climbs higher, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, it surges to 8 at noon, marking the peak of solar intensity. The afternoon sees a slight decline, with the index dropping to 5 at 2:00 PM and further to 3 by 3:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV levels plummet back to a safe 1 by 4:00 PM, and the sun's diminishing rays result in a 0 by 6:00 PM, signaling a welcome reprieve from UV exposure. Essentially, the peak intensity occurs during midday hours, highlighting the importance of seeking shade and wearing protection during these critical hours.
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variations, peaking during the winter months. From January to April, the index remains at extreme levels (16-11) with a burn time of only 10 minutes, indicating high risk for skin damage. May marks a shift to very high (UV 8) and somewhat longer burn times of 15 minutes, while June and July see a reduction to high (UV 6) with burn times increasing to 25 minutes. As summer ends and September approaches, the index escalates back to extreme levels (UV 11) before stabilizing at extreme ratings through November, culminating in another spike in December (UV 16). Visitors and residents are advised to exercise caution and take protective measures, especially during the extreme months of January, February, March, April, September, October, November, and December, to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Regular application of sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting time in direct sunlight are highly recommended during these peak UV periods.
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 |
| 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 |
| Pukatja | 16 | 17 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 16 |