Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in St Helens, Australia is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's mild maritime climate, it's easy to underestimate the sun’s UV radiation, particularly during the late spring and summer months. The UV levels in St Helens can vary throughout the day, peaking in the early afternoon, which means being vigilant about sun exposure is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining healthy skin. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the natural beauty of St Helens while taking proactive steps to safeguard their skin against harmful rays.
The UV Index data presents an interesting snapshot of sunlight intensity throughout the day. Starting at 7:00 AM, the index registers a maximum of 0, indicating a safe environment for outdoor activities. As the morning progresses, it gradually rises, peaking at 2 between 11:00 AM and 13:00 PM, signaling a moderate level of UV exposure. This peak highlights a crucial time for sun protection, especially if you’re outdoors. In the early afternoon, the index dips back to 1 by 14:00, then continues to decline, reaching 0 again by 17:00, signaling a safe evening. This information serves as a helpful reminder to stay protected during peak sunlight hours while enjoying the outdoors!
| 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 12:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 13:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 14:00 | 1 | 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 |
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 |