Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Exmouth, Australia, where the climate is characterized by its hot semi-arid conditions. With soaring temperatures and abundant sunshine, awareness of UV levels becomes essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. During peak hours, the UV Index can reach a high of 8, indicating significant risks for unprotected skin. By staying informed about the daily UV levels, locals can enjoy the stunning outdoor beauty while safeguarding their well-being against harmful solar radiation.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM and remaining low at 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it edges up to 2, but the real intensity kicks in at 10:00 AM with a surge to 4. The peak occurs around 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, where it reaches a scorching 8, representing a significant rise in UV exposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the index begins its descent, dropping to 6 by 2:00 PM and easing to 4 by 3:00 PM. Before the sun sets, the UV levels taper off quickly, with readings of 2 at 4:00 PM and declining to 0 by 6:00 PM. This hourly data serves as a reminder to stay protected during peak UV hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index displays distinct seasonal variations, with the highest risks occurring during the months of January, February, March, April, September, October, November, and December, where the index reaches extreme levels of 15 to 14 and a burn time as low as 10 minutes. Conversely, during May, June, July, and August, while the index remains high to very high (up to 10), the burn time increases, allowing for slightly longer skin exposure—up to 25 minutes in June. To safeguard against harmful UV exposure, it is crucial for visitors and residents alike to take protective measures, particularly in high-risk months: 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Exmouth | 15 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 |