Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of the Karratha Industrial Estate in Australia, where the climate is characterized by high temperatures and abundant sunshine. With peak UV levels often reaching as high as 9 around midday, being aware of UV exposure is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting overall skin health. As Karratha lies in a BWh climate zone, the combination of intense sunlight and outdoor lifestyles means that staying informed about daily UV levels is essential for safe outdoor activities. By monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny weather while safeguarding your health against the risks of overexposure.
The UV Index today tells a compelling story of sun exposure throughout the day. Starting low at 1 by 07:00, it gradually climbs to a moderate 3 by 09:00. As the day progresses, the intensity peaks impressively at 9 around 12:00, signaling that the sun is at its most powerful. The afternoon remains vibrant but begins to taper off as we see a drop to 4 by 15:00. Post-sunset, the UV Index plummets to 0 between 18:00 and 19:00, indicating a retreat from harmful rays. It’s a day where staying sun-smart is crucial during the midday hours, especially between 10:00 and 14:00.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | 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 Index levels display significant variability, with the highest readings occurring during the first half of the year. High-risk months for UV exposure are January, February, March, April, August, September, October, November, and December, where the index consistently reaches extreme levels of 15 or 14, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. The transition into May and June sees a decrease in intensity, with values of 9 and 7, but still present very high to high risk, with longer burn times of 15 and 25 minutes respectively. To ensure safety, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to remain vigilant against UV exposure, particularly during these high-risk months. Always wear protective clothing, use broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Karratha Industrial Estate | 15 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 |