Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Mountain River, Australia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With a temperate maritime climate (Cfb), the region experiences varied UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when levels peak at 3. Being aware of these UV levels can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage, allowing residents and visitors alike to enjoy the great outdoors while prioritizing their safety. Remember, even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate through and cause harm; staying informed about the UV Index can make a significant difference in your health and well-being.
The UV Index presents a dynamic picture throughout the day, starting off low in the early morning hours. From 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, the index remains consistently at 1, indicating minimal exposure risk. As the day progresses, we see a gradual increase, peaking at 3 between 11:00 AM and 13:00 PM, suggesting a moderate risk for skin damage during peak sun hours. Following this, the UV Index dips back down to 2 at 14:00, before declining to 1 again from 15:00 to 17:00. By 18:00, the index drops to 0, signifying a complete lack of excessive UV exposure as the sun sets. It's crucial to be mindful of the midday hours when the UV radiation is at its most potent!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 15:00 | 1 | 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 exhibits significant seasonal variation, with the highest risk months occurring in January, February, and December, where the index reaches a peak of 13, categorizing exposure as extreme and requiring a burn time of just 10 minutes. Following these months, March and November also present very high risks with indices of 9 and 10, and burn times of 15 minutes. As summer transitions into fall, the UV Index declines, dropping to 2 in June and July, indicative of low risk, while August sees a slight increase to 4 (moderate). As such, it is essential for both visitors and residents to take extra precautions during the extreme months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure to prevent skin damage. In contrast, during the lower index months, sun safety measures can be relaxed but should still be practiced, especially during peak midday hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain River | 13 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 |
| 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 |