Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Whyalla, Australia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. With a climate that typically features dry and sunny conditions, residents and visitors alike face varying levels of UV radiation throughout the day. During peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, UV levels can soar to a moderate 6, making sunburn a real risk. By monitoring the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your skin health, ensuring that your outdoor activities remain enjoyable and safe. Stay informed and embrace the sun responsibly!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a clear pattern of rising intensity, peaking at noon. Starting at a low 1 by 07:00, the index gradually climbs, reaching 6 at 12:00, marking the highest solar exposure of the day. As the afternoon progresses, it dips to 5 by 13:00, then swiftly declines to 3 at 14:00, before falling further to 2 by 15:00. The evening brings a welcome relief as the index drops to 1 at 16:00 and finally settles at 0 from 17:00 onward, indicating a safe transition into the cooler twilight hours. For those planning outdoor activities, the time around 11:00 to 12:00 is critical for sun protection!
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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
13:00 | 5 | 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, the UV Index in the region exhibits significant seasonal variations. The highest risk months are from January to March and during October to December, where the UV Index remains in the extreme category (values ranging from 14 to 15) with a short burn time of just 10 minutes. April and September see a decrease to very high levels (UV Index 9 and 8 respectively), with burn times extending to 15 minutes, while May and August are categorized as high (UV Index 6) with burn times of 25 minutes. Mid-summer months, specifically June and July, have a moderate index (UV Index 4) allowing for 30 minutes before burning occurs. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during high-risk months by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to mitigate the chances of sunburn and skin damage.
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 |
Whyalla | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |