Last updated: July 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents of Ararat, Australia, where the local climate can bring varying levels of sun exposure throughout the day. Understanding the UV levels is essential in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, as even short periods under the sun can lead to skin damage. With a temperate oceanic climate (Cfb), Ararat experiences distinct seasonal changes, making it important to stay informed about UV risks—especially during peak hours between 10 AM and 3 PM, when the UV Index can reach levels of 3. Taking simple precautions can help you enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing harmful effects from the sun.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a gradual increase in sun intensity, peaking mid-afternoon. Starting at 0 at 07:00, the index rises to 1 by 08:00 and remains moderate at 1 for the following hour. As the sun ascends, the intensity reaches 2 by 10:00, climbing further to 3 at 11:00, sustaining this level until 14:00. After this peak, a gentle decline begins, with the index dropping to 2 at 15:00, and gradually easing back to 1 by 17:00, before retreating to 0 by 18:00. For anyone spending time outdoors, the late morning to early afternoon presents the highest UV exposure; thus, caution and sun protection are highly advisable during these hours.
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 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, indicating varying degrees of sun exposure risk. The high-risk months for UV exposure are January, February, March, November, and December, each exhibiting an extreme UV Index with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Following these months, April and September score a high UV Index, where a burn can occur in 25 minutes. Conversely, the UV Index drops to moderate levels in May, June, July, and August, allowing for safer outdoor activities with longer burn times of 30 minutes. October sees a shift back to a very high UV Index, with a burn time of only 15 minutes. Therefore, visitors and residents alike should exercise caution during the extreme months, ensuring adequate sun protection, and be mindful of the moderate months for prolonged outdoor enjoyment with fewer risks.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne UVI | 14 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 |
| Ararat | 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 |