Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Mount Macedon, Australia, where varying sun exposure can pose significant risks to skin health. With UV levels peaking around midday, awareness of these fluctuations is crucial for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Nestled in a Cfb climate zone, Mount Macedon experiences unique weather patterns that can lead to unexpected UV risks, even on overcast days. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin from harmful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a gradual rise and fall in sunlight intensity. Starting at a maximum of 0 at 07:00, the index remains low as the morning progresses, only reaching 1 by 08:00 and 09:00. As we approach midday, the sun's strength peaks with a UVI of 3 at 12:00 and 13:00, marking the most intense hours for sun exposure. After this brief climax, the index dips back down, winding down to 2 at 14:00, and then steadily declines to 1 by 15:00 before returning to 0 by 17:00, and remaining there through the evening. This data emphasizes the importance of sun protection during the peak hours around noon to early afternoon when the UV exposure 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 | 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 | 0 | 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 |
| Mount Macedon | 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 |