Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Roxby Downs, Australia, especially given its arid BWh climate that often leads to heightened sun exposure. With UV levels reaching a peak of 4 during midday hours, awareness of these radiation levels is vital for sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can effectively plan outdoor activities and protect yourself from the potential harms of excessive sun exposure, ensuring enjoyable and safe experiences under the Australian sun.
Throughout the day, the UV Index exhibits a clear pattern of intensity. Starting off low in the morning, it registers a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, indicating minimal risk for sun exposure. As the sun climbs higher, the index gradually increases, peaking at 4 between 11:00 and 13:00, where caution is advised for prolonged outdoor activities. After this peak, the index begins to taper off, dropping back to 1 by 15:00 and reaching 0 by 17:00, signaling the end of the day’s sun exposure concerns. Overall, it's a day that calls for sun safety measures during midday, but becomes safer as the evening approaches.
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 exposure fluctuates significantly, with January, February, March, October, November, and December showing extreme levels, especially peaking in December at a UV Index of 16. The high-risk months for UV exposure are clearly the winter to early spring months, requiring vigilance, as the burn time is as low as 10 minutes for these periods. In contrast, April and September fall into the very high category with a UV Index of 9, allowing for 15 minutes of exposure before burns may occur. Summer months, such as May, June, July, and August, see a drop in UV levels to high or moderate, offering burn times ranging from 25 to 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures during high UV Index months by wearing appropriate sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak hours. Remember that even on cloudy days, UV rays can still penetrate, so stay vigilant year-round.
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 |
| Roxby Downs | 15 | 15 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
| Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |