Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Derby, Australia, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With sunburn and skin damage a real risk, understanding UV levels can empower you to take proactive measures against harmful exposure. Derby's BSh climate offers warm, sunny conditions that often lead to heightened UV intensity, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM when levels peak at a significant 9. By staying aware of the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while effectively minimizing your risks.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a distinctive pattern, peaking dramatically as the sun ascends. From 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, the index starts at a low 1, gradually climbing to a moderate 3. By 9:00 AM, the intensity rises to 5, but the real surge occurs between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where it reaches a maximum of 9, indicating a high risk for sun exposure. As afternoon approaches, the UV Index begins to taper off, dropping to 5 by 2:00 PM, and further declining to 3 at 3:00 PM. The day winds down with 1 at 4:00 PM and dwindling to 0 by 6:00 PM. To ensure safety during peak hours, it's crucial to take precautions from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, when UV radiation is at its strongest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal fluctuations, with extreme levels consistently present from January through April, peaking at 16 during the first three months. High-risk months include January to April, as well as November, when the UV Index remains at 16, necessitating very short burn times of just 10 minutes. In contrast, the index drops slightly in May through July, although still categorized as very high (UV Index 9), with burn times extending to 15 minutes. As summer transitions to fall, UV levels see an increase again in August and taper down through the fall months. For both residents and visitors, it is crucial to take precautions during these high-risk months: wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours will help minimize the risks of harmful 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 |
| 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 |
| Derby | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 |