Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Hopetoun, Australia is crucial for preserving your skin's health and preventing sunburn, particularly in a climate zone known for its unique characteristics. With UV levels peaking around midday—reaching a maximum of 5—it's essential for locals and visitors alike to be proactive about sun protection. Hopetoun's climate can expose residents to significant UV risks, especially during the warmer months, making it vital to stay informed about daily fluctuations in UV intensity. By being aware of the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely and protect your skin from harmful solar radiation.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, providing a safe environment for morning activities. The intensity gradually increases, reaching 2 by 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it climbs to 4, indicating a moderate level of UV exposure. The peak arrives at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where the index hits 5, signaling a need for sun protection. The afternoon sees a decline, with readings at 4 at 1:00 PM, tapering to 3 by 2:00 PM. As the day begins to wind down, the UV Index drops steadily back to 1 by 4:00 PM, and sinks to 0 after 6:00 PM. This hourly data highlights the importance of safeguarding against UV exposure, especially during the midday 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 | 5 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure undergoes significant seasonal changes, with the highest risk occurring during the winter and early spring months. January, February, March, November, and December all fall under the extreme exposure category, where the UV Index reaches 14 or 12, resulting in a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. Conversely, April marks a transition to very high exposure with an Index of 8 and a burn time of 15 minutes. The UV levels moderate from May to July, where the Index drops to between 4 and 5, allowing for 30 minutes of safe sun exposure. However, September and October present another peak in risk, returning to very high levels with an Index of 8 and 10, respectively. It’s crucial for residents and visitors to adopt sun safety measures during these high-risk months, especially by wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and applying sunscreen regularly to minimize the effects of harmful UV radiation.
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 |
| Hopetoun | 14 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 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 |