Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Garden Island, Australia, where the subtropical climate brings higher levels of sun exposure, especially during midday hours. Being informed about UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health, as the risks can escalate quickly as the day progresses. With peak UV levels climbing to 6 around noon, it’s essential to recognize the potential for harmful effects on the skin. By staying aware of the UV Index, you can better protect yourself and enjoy the stunning landscape of Garden Island safely.
The UV Index today showcased a notable increase from the early morning hours, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rose higher in the sky, the index climbed steadily, reaching a significant 6 by 12:00, indicating a peak in UV radiation and the need for sun protection. The afternoon saw a slight decline, with values dropping to 4 at 14:00 and falling further to 2 by 15:00. As the day wound down, the UV index returned to a safer range, ending the day at 0 by 19:00. It’s crucial to stay informed and safeguard your skin during those high UV hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
14:00 | 4 | 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 |