Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Karratha, Australia, where the sun shines brightly in a BWh climate characterized by high temperatures and low humidity. With UV levels peaking during the midday hours, awareness of these values can significantly impact sunburn prevention and overall skin health. By grasping the daily fluctuations in UV exposure, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun, ensuring that your time outdoors is both enjoyable and safe. Whether you’re exploring the stunning landscapes or engaging in outdoor activities, staying informed about Karratha's UV Index is essential in safeguarding your well-being.
The UV Index for the day reveals a significant shift as the sun rises. Starting at a low 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the intensity gradually ramps up, peaking at 7 during 12:00 and 13:00—prime time to protect your skin! As the afternoon progresses, it dips to 5 by 14:00, then descends further to 3 at 15:00. The latter part of the day sees a decline in UV exposure, returning to 1 by 16:00 and eventually dropping to 0 by 18:00 and 19:00. Be mindful of the midday sun; it's wise to wear sunscreen and seek shade when the UV Index is at its highest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 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 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 |