Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Portland West, Australia, where the mild Csb climate can still pose risks for sun exposure. By being aware of UV levels, you can take essential steps to prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. With typical midday UV scores reaching up to 3, understanding these fluctuations is vital. As you embrace the beautiful outdoors, keep in mind that even the most pleasant days can bring hidden dangers from the sun—so let’s stay informed and safe!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a compelling picture of sunlight intensity. Beginning at 07:00, the UV Index starts at a maximum of 0, indicating minimal risk. As the sun rises higher in the sky, it gently climbs to 1 by 08:00, maintaining that low level until 11:00, when it reaches 2. The peak occurs at 12:00 with a UV Index of 3, suggesting a moderate risk – a perfect time for sun protection. By 13:00, the index slightly decreases to 2, and it continues to drop gradually until 15:00 before settling back at 1 in the late afternoon. As the day winds down, the UV Index drops to 0 by 18:00, signaling a return to safe levels. Overall, it’s a day that encourages mindful sun exposure, especially during midday.
| 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 | 1 | 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 risks for sun exposure. The high-risk months of January, February, November, and December all feature excitingly extreme UV indexes, peaking at 14 in December and staying close with 13 in January. This translates to a burn time of just 10 minutes during these months, highlighting the need for protective measures. In March, the UV index remains very high at 10, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes, while April sees a drop to a high category of 7, extending burn time to 25 minutes. From May to July, the index falls into the moderate category, with burn times of 30 minutes, but it rises again in September and October, marking high and very high exposure risks respectively. Residents and visitors should take necessary precautions during high UV months—such as applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade—to safeguard against the harmful effects of UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland West | 13 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 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 |