Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Queenstown, Australia is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. As this charming town experiences a Cfb climate, UV levels can vary significantly throughout the day. During peak hours, the UV Index can reach 3, which poses a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Awareness of these levels helps residents and visitors alike make informed decisions about sun safety, ensuring enjoyable outdoor experiences while minimizing potential skin damage. Stay informed and protect your skin in the beautiful landscapes of Queenstown!
The UV Index throughout the day offers a clear insight into solar intensity, peaking at 3 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, signaling moderate sun exposure. The day begins with 0 UV at 7:00 AM, gradually rising to 1 by 8:00 AM and maintaining a low level until 10:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index reaches 2 by mid-morning and then stabilizes at 3 during the lunch hours, suggesting the need for sun protection. By mid-afternoon, numbers dip back to 2 and diminish further to 1 as the evening approaches. Finally, the UV Index returns to 0 after 6:00 PM, marking a transition into a safer time to enjoy the outdoors without risk of sunburn.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, with January and December experiencing the highest readings at 13, categorized as extreme, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. February and November also pose high risk with an index of 11, remaining in the extreme category. As we transition into March, a gradual decrease to 10 places it in the very high category with a burn time of 15 minutes. The risk wanes through the warmer months, reaching a low of 2 in June and July, where the burn time extends to 45 minutes. By August, UV levels rise again to 4, categorizing it as moderate, before returning to a high level of 6 in April and September. Visitors and residents should prepare for increased sun exposure in the high-risk months of January, February, October, and November, advising protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and limited time in direct sunlight to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queenstown | 13 | 11 | 10 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 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 |