Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Saint Marys, Australia, where the climate can expose individuals to harmful levels of ultraviolet radiation. Being aware of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health, as prolonged exposure can lead to serious skin conditions. Saint Marys enjoys a temperate climate, but even on seemingly mild days, UV exposure can increase, particularly during midday hours. With UV Index readings peaking at 3 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, staying informed about UV levels becomes vital for safeguarding your skin while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
The UV Index throughout the day presents an interesting pattern of solar exposure. Starting at 07:00, it gently peaks at 1, remaining steady for the next hour. By 09:00, the index climbs to 2, reflecting the sun's increasing intensity. The sun gains momentum, reaching its highest values of 3 by 11:00, and sustaining this level until 13:00. As the afternoon unfolds, the index gradually declines, dropping back to 2 by 14:00 and finally tapering off to a 1 from 15:00 onwards. By the evening, from 17:00 to 19:00, the UV Index dips to 0, indicating a safe period to bask in the fading sunlight. Overall, it’s a day where sun safety is essential, especially during the peak hours!
| 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 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Marys | 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 |