Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Pukatja, Australia, where the BWh climate can expose individuals to significant levels of ultraviolet radiation. With UV levels peaking at 6 around midday, it’s essential to grasp how these rays can impact your skin health, increasing the risk of sunburn and long-term damage. By staying informed about the daily UV readings—especially during peak exposure hours—you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful sunny days that Pukatja has to offer.
The UV Index today showcased a notable increase from the early morning hours, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rose higher in the sky, the index climbed steadily, reaching a significant 6 by 12:00, indicating a peak in UV radiation and the need for sun protection. The afternoon saw a slight decline, with values dropping to 4 at 14:00 and falling further to 2 by 15:00. As the day wound down, the UV index returned to a safer range, ending the day at 0 by 19:00. It’s crucial to stay informed and safeguard your skin during those high UV 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | 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 |
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 |