Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Broome, Australia, where the intense sun can pose serious health risks. The UV Index indicates the strength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and helps inform us when protective measures are necessary to prevent sunburn and promote skin health. With its BSh climate, Broome experiences high UV levels, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, when readings peak at a striking 9. Being aware of these levels is essential for enjoying the outdoor lifestyle without compromising your well-being. Stay informed, stay protected, and make the most of Broome's beautiful sunshine!
The UV Index throughout the day demonstrates a distinct peak during the midday hours, reaching its maximum of 9 at 11:00 AM and again at 12:00 PM. As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mere 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 4 by 9:00 AM. However, once the clock strikes 10:00 AM, the intensity escalates sharply to 7 before hitting its zenith. Following this, there is a slight tapering off in the afternoon hours, with values nearing 6 at 2:00 PM and gradually decreasing to 3 by 3:00 PM. As daylight wanes, the UV Index plummets, dropping to 1 by 4:00 PM and finally settling at 0 by 6:00 PM, signaling an end to the sun's powerful rays for the day. This data emphasizes the importance of sun protection, especially during those peak hours between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 in our region indicate a high risk of solar damage, particularly during the summer and late fall months. From January to March, the UV Index remains at a peak of 16 with an extreme exposure category, leading to a burn time of just 10 minutes. Similarly, the months of November and October also show extreme levels, indicating that these late fall months are also high-risk. April sees a slight reduction to an index of 13, while the summer months of May and June decrease to 9 and 8, classified as very high, but still require caution with a burn time of 15 minutes. As UV levels fluctuate, it is critical for both visitors and residents to protect themselves from sun exposure, particularly during high-risk months, by wearing sunscreen, hats, and UV-protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible.
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 |
| 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 |
| Broome | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 |