Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Garden Island, Australia, as it plays a vital role in preventing sunburn and promoting skin health. With its Csa climate featuring warm summers and mild winters, Garden Island experiences varying UV exposure throughout the day. During peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, UV levels can rise to 4, signaling a significant risk for overexposure. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect your skin and enjoy the sunny beauty of Garden Island safely.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic pattern of sun intensity. In the morning, it starts off low, peaking at 1 by 09:00. As the sun climbs higher, we see a steady increase with the index reaching 3 by 11:00. The highest point occurs from 12:00 to 13:00, where the UV Index hits a robust 4, indicating a need for sun protection during those hours. Following this peak, the index gradually declines, returning to 2 at 15:00, and then dropping back down to 0 by 18:00, marking the end of significant UV exposure for the day. Plan your outdoor activities accordingly to stay safe under the sun!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 exhibits noticeable seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring in the winter and late fall months. January, February, and November see extreme UV Index ratings of 14, meaning exposure can lead to skin damage in as little as 10 minutes. March follows closely with an extreme index of 11, while April marks the transition to very high levels at 8, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. From May to July, the index decreases, reaching a moderate level of 4, where burn times extend to 30 minutes, but spikes again to high levels in August and very high in September. As temperatures drop, October and December return to extreme levels. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during January, February, March, October, and November, recommending the use of sunscreen and protective clothing to minimize UV exposure, especially during peak 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 |
| Garden Island | 14 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 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 |