Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Castlemaine, Australia, where the Cfb climate can bring varying sun exposure throughout the year. Awareness of UV levels helps protect against sunburn and supports long-term skin health, making it essential to check daily readings. During the peak hours of 11 AM to 1 PM, Castlemaine experiences a moderate UV Index of 3, indicating a risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about UV risks and taking appropriate precautions, you can enjoy the sunny days while safeguarding your skin.
The UV Index throughout the day offers a clear insight into solar intensity, peaking at 3 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, signaling moderate sun exposure. The day begins with 0 UV at 7:00 AM, gradually rising to 1 by 8:00 AM and maintaining a low level until 10:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index reaches 2 by mid-morning and then stabilizes at 3 during the lunch hours, suggesting the need for sun protection. By mid-afternoon, numbers dip back to 2 and diminish further to 1 as the evening approaches. Finally, the UV Index returns to 0 after 6:00 PM, marking a transition into a safer time to enjoy the outdoors without risk of sunburn.
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest risk months being January (14), February (12), March (11), November (12), and December (15), all categorized as extreme, where a burn can occur in as little as 10 minutes. The transition to high risk occurs in April (7) and September (7), with burn times slightly longer at 25 minutes. From May to August, the UV Index decreases to a moderate level (4-5), allowing for safer outdoor activities with burn times extending to 30 minutes. However, the UV Index spikes again in October to 9, categorized as very high, necessitating caution with a burn time of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take proactive measures during high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to ensure safety.
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 |
| Castlemaine | 14 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| 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 |