Last updated: August 1, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index in Warrnambool is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you take preventive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially during the peak sun hours. With Warrnambool's Cfb climate, residents and visitors can experience varying UV exposure risks throughout the day, peaking between 11 AM and 1 PM. Keeping an eye on the UV Index ensures that you enjoy the sun safely while minimizing health risks associated with harmful UV radiation.
The UV Index throughout the day shows a gradual rise and fall in intensity, peaking during the midday hours. Starting at 07:00, the index is a mild 1, remaining steady until 09:00. As the sun climbs higher, it reaches 2 at 09:00 and 10:00, before hitting a maximum of 3 by 11:00 and 12:00. After noon, the UV levels begin to dip, dropping back to 2 by 13:00 and 14:00, and then descending further to 1 at 15:00. By the evening hours, the index falls to 0, indicating a safe period from 17:00 onwards. This data highlights the importance of sun safety practices during peak hours, especially from 11:00 to 14:00 when UV levels are at their highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | 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 |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking in January and December with an extreme exposure category of 13 and 14, respectively, and a critical burn time of just 10 minutes. February and March also experience high levels of UV exposure, maintaining an index of 12 and 11, respectively. As spring arrives in April with a UV Index of 7 (high) and burn time of 25 minutes, the risk begins to decrease but remains notable. The summer months of June and July show a moderate UV level of 3, extending burn time to 30 minutes, while August sees a slight increase to 4. However, the risk surges again in September and October, where the UV Index reaches 7 (high) and 9 (very high), with burn times of 25 and 15 minutes, respectively. November also returns to extreme levels with an index of 11. Given these patterns, both visitors and residents should be particularly cautious from November to March and during early spring and fall, taking essential sun protection measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warrnambool | 13 | 12 | 11 | 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 |