Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Eighty Mile Beach, Australia, where the BSh climate brings plenty of sunshine and outdoor activities. Awareness of UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a significant role in maintaining long-term skin health. With peak UV Index values reaching as high as 9 during midday hours, it’s essential to be informed about the risks associated with overexposure to the sun. By staying educated on local UV conditions, you can enjoy the beautiful beach while protecting yourself and your loved ones from harmful effects of UV radiation.
The UV Index (UVI) rises dramatically as the sun climbs in the sky, reaching its peak at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a fierce 9. Early risers will notice a gentle start, with 1 at 7:00 AM and 2 by 8:00 AM. As the clock strikes 9:00 AM, conditions intensify sharply, hitting 4 before soaring to 6 at 10:00 AM. After the midday peak, there's a gradual decline, with 8 at 1:00 PM, and then diminishing to 3 by 3:00 PM. The sun’s influence wanes significantly post-4 PM, as UVI drops to 1 by 5:00 PM and all but fades away by 7:00 PM, suggesting a safe end to sun-seeking adventures as daylight wanes. Remember to protect your skin during those peak UV hours!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | 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 experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest values occurring from January to April and then again from August to November. The high-risk months for UV exposure are January, February, and November, all maintaining an extreme index of 16, where even minimal exposure can result in sunburn within just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions during these months to protect their skin, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses. As the summer progresses, the UV Index slightly decreases, but May to July still remains within the very high category (UV Index 8-9) with a burn time of 15 minutes. As UV levels change with the seasons, it is crucial to stay informed and adjust sun safety practices accordingly, especially during the peak months to minimize skin damage.
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 |
| Eighty Mile Beach | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 |