Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Swansea, Australia, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's Cfb climate, residents and visitors can experience varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day, especially during the midday hours when the index peaks at 3. Understanding these UV levels is fundamental for sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health, enabling you to enjoy Swansea’s beautiful outdoors safely. Whether lounging on the beach or engaging in outdoor activities, being aware of the UV Index helps you make informed decisions about sun protection and ensures your time under the sun is both enjoyable and safe.
The UV Index presents a dynamic picture throughout the day, starting off low in the early morning hours. From 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, the index remains consistently at 1, indicating minimal exposure risk. As the day progresses, we see a gradual increase, peaking at 3 between 11:00 AM and 13:00 PM, suggesting a moderate risk for skin damage during peak sun hours. Following this, the UV Index dips back down to 2 at 14:00, before declining to 1 again from 15:00 to 17:00. By 18:00, the index drops to 0, signifying a complete lack of excessive UV exposure as the sun sets. It's crucial to be mindful of the midday hours when the UV radiation is at its most potent!
| 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure fluctuates significantly, with the highest risks occurring during the winter months of January and December, as well as in November, each featuring an extreme UV Index of 13. February and March follow closely behind, with extreme to very high indices of 11 and 10, respectively, indicating a high likelihood of skin damage. Conversely, the summer months of June and July experience the lowest UV levels, rated at 2 (low), allowing for safer outdoor activities longer than 45 minutes without burning. As we transition into April and August, UV levels rise to moderate and high zones, prompting a need for caution as exposure time decreases to around 30 and 25 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take protective measures during high-risk months, particularly from January to March and in October and November, by wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swansea | 13 | 11 | 10 | 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 |