Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Orbost, Australia, where varying UV levels can impact your skin health and overall well-being. Being aware of the UV Index helps prevent sunburn and reduces the risk of long-term skin damage, which is especially important given and the region's temperate oceanic climate. Typically, the UV levels peak around midday, with values reaching up to 3—indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Whether you're enjoying the great outdoors or just out running errands, being informed about the UV Index can help you take the necessary precautions to protect your skin.
At dawn, the UV Index begins its slow ascent, starting at 0 at 07:00 and gently nudging up to 1 by 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, it reaches a peak of 3 between 11:00 and 12:00, highlighting the day’s sunniest hours when protective measures are advisable. By 13:00, the index starts to decline, descending back to 2 by 14:00 and tapering off further as the afternoon wanes. By 15:00, it dips to 1, and eventually returns to 0 by 17:00, leading into the evening hours. Overall, the data reflects a temperate sun exposure, perfect for enjoying the outdoors while staying mindful of UV protection during midday 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 | 2 | low | 45 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, the UV Index shows significant seasonal variations, indicating fluctuating sun exposure risks for visitors and residents. The high-risk months occur from January to March, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 14 to 11 and a quick burn time of just 10 minutes warrants extra caution. In November and December, conditions revert to extreme once again, with similar high UV readings. April to September experiences a gradual decrease in UV intensity, where the exposure categories range from high to moderate; particularly in April and September, when the burn time increases to 25-30 minutes. From July to August, conditions remain moderate, but the risk remains non-negligible. As daylight hours lessen in October, the UV Index climbs back to very high, demanding vigilance with a burn time of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take protective measures, especially during the extreme months, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to mitigate the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orbost | 14 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 |
| 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 |