Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Garden Island, Australia, a region blessed with abundant sunshine but also significant UV exposure risks. Monitoring UV levels helps to prevent sunburn and protect long-term skin health, especially during the peak hours when the index can soar to 4 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. With a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, Garden Island's UV radiation can be intense. Staying informed about the UV Index is essential for enjoying the great outdoors while safeguarding your skin from harmful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day experiences a notable progression, starting from a maximum of 0 at 07:00, indicating minimal UV exposure. As the morning unfolds, it gradually rises, reaching 1 by 08:00 and staying steady at this level until 09:00. The sun’s intensity escalates sharply, peaking at 4 between 11:00 and 13:00, highlighting the importance of sun protection during these hours. Just after peak exposure, the index dips slightly to 3 at 14:00 before decreasing further to 2 by 15:00. The final hours see a steady decline, falling back to 1 at 16:00 and 17:00, before returning to 0 by 18:00, signaling the end of the day. This data emphasizes the need for awareness and protection during midday hours when UV radiation is at its highest.
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | 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 |