Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Orford, Australia, is essential for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health, especially in a region known for its temperate oceanic climate. During sunny days, UV levels can fluctuate significantly, peaking at a moderate 3 during midday hours, meaning that even brief sun exposure can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to safeguard your skin, ensuring that your time spent outdoors is both enjoyable and safe. With Orford's picturesque scenery inviting outdoor activities, awareness of UV exposure risks becomes a vital part of your daily routine.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a gradual rise and fall in intensity. Starting early morning at 07:00 with a maximum of 1, the index remains steady at this low level until 10:00, when it edges up to 2. The peak UV exposure occurs between 11:00 and 13:00, reaching a maximum of 3, signaling a time when sun protection is essential. As the day progresses, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping back to 2 by 14:00 and falling to 1 by 15:00. By 17:00, the index plummets to 0, marking the end of significant UV exposure for the day. Remember, even when UV levels are low, it's always wise to take precautions!
| 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 | 0 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orford | 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 |