Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Orbost, Australia, where sun exposure varies significantly throughout the day. Awareness of UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With Orbost's Cfb climate, characterized by mild summers and cool winters, the sun's rays can still pose risks, especially during the midday hours when the UV Index peaks at 3. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin and enjoy the outdoors safely.
The UV Index data reveals a gentle rise in sun exposure as the day unfolds. Starting from a calm 0 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually climbs to peak at 3 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, signaling the most intense sun exposure during midday. As the clock ticks past 2:00 PM, the index gently declines, reaching a soothing 1 by late afternoon, before tapering off completely to 0 by 6:00 PM. For sun-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, the midday hours demand precaution, while the early morning and late evening provide enjoyable, low-UVI moments.
| 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 | 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, 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 |