Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of St Helens, Australia, as it provides essential information on the sun's ultraviolet radiation levels. With UV exposure being the leading cause of sunburn and long-term skin damage, staying informed can significantly improve your skin health and overall well-being. St Helens, characterized by a Cfb climate, experiences varying UV levels throughout the day, peaking at a moderate 4 around midday. Awareness of these levels helps locals and visitors alike protect themselves effectively while enjoying the stunning natural beauty of the region.
The UV Index throughout the day presents an interesting landscape of sun exposure. Starting off at a mild 1 from 07:00 to 08:00, the index gradually rises to reach a peak of 4 at 12:00—the prime time for potential skin damage. As the sun begins to descend, the index dips back down to 2 by 14:00 and falls to a gentle 1 from 15:00 to 17:00. After a warm day filled with variable UV intensity, outdoor activities should taper off as the index drops to 0 by 18:00 and stays there until the day's end. It's a reminder of the importance of sun safety during those midday hours when the UV rays are at their most potent!
| 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 | 4 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring in the winter and late fall months. January and December both present extreme exposure conditions with a UV Index of 13, requiring protective measures within just 10 minutes of direct sunlight. February follows closely with an Index of 11, also marked as extreme. The high-risk months for UV exposure extend into March and November, with indices of 9 and 11, respectively, where one should remain vigilant with sun protection. As spring unfolds into April and September, the index drops to 6 defining high exposure levels, while May, June, and July offer a slight respite with moderate to low levels. However, visitors and residents are advised to implement protective measures, particularly during the extreme and very high exposure periods, to mitigate the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Staying informed and using sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade when necessary is crucial for maintaining skin health year-round.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Helens | 13 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 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 |