Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Barwon Heads, Australia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you take proactive measures against sunburn and reduces the long-term risks of skin cancer. With a Cfb climate, residents and visitors can enjoy mild temperatures, but the sun's intensity can still peak, especially around midday with UV Index ratings reaching up to 4. Knowing the UV Index in Barwon Heads empowers you to make informed decisions on sun safety, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful outdoors while keeping your skin healthy.
The UV Index throughout the day experiences a notable progression, starting from a maximum of 0 at 07:00, indicating minimal UV exposure. As the morning unfolds, it gradually rises, reaching 1 by 08:00 and staying steady at this level until 09:00. The sun’s intensity escalates sharply, peaking at 4 between 11:00 and 13:00, highlighting the importance of sun protection during these hours. Just after peak exposure, the index dips slightly to 3 at 14:00 before decreasing further to 2 by 15:00. The final hours see a steady decline, falling back to 1 at 16:00 and 17:00, before returning to 0 by 18:00, signaling the end of the day. This data emphasizes the need for awareness and protection during midday hours when UV radiation is at its highest.
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | 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, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with particularly high-risk months occurring in winter and late fall. From November to February, the UV Index peaks at a striking 13, indicating an extreme exposure category, where unprotected skin can burn in just 10 minutes. Following this period, April and September see a rise to a 7 rating, categorized as high, with a burn time of 25 minutes. By contrast, the summer months—May to August—exhibit a moderate UV Index, ranging from 3 to 4, allowing for longer safe sun exposure of 30 minutes. However, attention should be paid in October, when the Index rises again to 9. To ensure safety, visitors and residents are advised to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade, especially during the high-risk months when UV radiation can be particularly harmful.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barwon Heads | 13 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 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 |