Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Ararat, Australia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your health under the sun. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and protect your skin from long-term damage. In this temperate climate, where the sun can be deceptive, even moderate UV levels—peaking at a 3 during the midday hours—pose a risk, especially for those with fair skin or prolonged outdoor activities. Stay informed and enjoy the sunshine responsibly by keeping an eye on the UV Index to ensure your skin stays healthy while you explore the beautiful landscapes of Ararat.
The UV Index throughout the day tells an intriguing story of sun exposure. Beginning at 7:00 AM, the index stands at a minimal 0, indicating a lower risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses to 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, it slightly increases to 1, suggesting that while the sun is on the rise, caution is still not paramount. By 10:00 AM, the index climbs to 2, hinting at moderate sun intensity, which remains consistent until 11:00 AM. The peak index of 3 is reached at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, marking the sun's strength at its highest, where protective measures are advised. Following this zenith, a gradual decline begins; the index dips back to 2 at 2:00 PM and slides further down to 1 by mid-afternoon, finally wrapping up the day as it returns to 0 by 6:00 PM. This hourly data highlights the importance of sun safety, especially during midday hours when UV exposure is most intense.
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 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 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 |