Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Stanhope, Australia, as it plays a key role in safeguarding skin health and preventing sunburn. With our region's BSk climate, which features warm summers and cooler winters, awareness of UV levels can help individuals make informed decisions about outdoor activities and sun protection. Typically peaking around midday, the UV Index can rise to 3 during the summer months, indicating a moderate risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin from long-term damage.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a gradual increase in sun intensity, peaking mid-afternoon. Starting at 0 at 07:00, the index rises to 1 by 08:00 and remains moderate at 1 for the following hour. As the sun ascends, the intensity reaches 2 by 10:00, climbing further to 3 at 11:00, sustaining this level until 14:00. After this peak, a gentle decline begins, with the index dropping to 2 at 15:00, and gradually easing back to 1 by 17:00, before retreating to 0 by 18:00. For anyone spending time outdoors, the late morning to early afternoon presents the highest UV exposure; thus, caution and sun protection are highly advisable during these 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal fluctuations, with January and December peaking at an extreme 15 and 14, respectively, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. February and November also remain high, with UV Index values of 12. The months of March and October show considerable risk as well, marked by UV Index levels of 11 and 10, respectively. As we transition into warmer months, the UV Index decreases to 7 in April and September while staying moderate at 5 during May and August and further dropping to 3 in June and July. Therefore, for visitors and residents, it is crucial to remain vigilant during high-risk months like January, February, March, October, November, and December by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade when necessary to mitigate the dangers of excessive UV exposure.
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 |
| Stanhope | 14 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 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 |