Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Kununurra, Australia is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, particularly in the region's hot semi-arid climate. With UV levels peaking at 8 around midday, the risk of skin damage increases significantly during the peak hours. Being aware of these levels empowers residents and visitors alike to take proactive measures, ensuring that outdoor activities remain enjoyable and safe. As Kununurra enjoys plenty of sunshine, integrating UV safety practices into daily routines is essential for safeguarding against harmful effects of excessive sun exposure.
The UV Index for the day reveals a notable pattern, peaking at 8 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM—the time when sun-seekers should be most cautious. Starting the day with a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, the index climbs steadily through the morning, hitting 5 at 9:00 AM and culminating at its maximum right before noon. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index declines, dropping to 4 at 2:00 PM and further to 1 by 4:00 PM. By 5:00 PM, the UV levels drop to a 0, indicating that sunburn risks diminish as day turns to evening. It's a reminder to stay protected during peak hours and to enjoy the sun wisely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, peaking during the winter months with an extreme exposure category of 16 in January, February, November, and December, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. The spring months see a slight decrease, with the UV Index dropping to 15 in March and 13 in April, remaining at an extreme level while still requiring caution. As we move into summer, the levels transition to very high in May and June, with UV Index values around 10 to 8 and burn times extending to 15 minutes. Notably, August and September again reach extreme exposure, with values climbing back to 11 and 14 respectively, before tapering off to 15 in October. Given these data, it is essential for visitors and residents to remain vigilant and take protective measures against UV exposure, especially during the high-risk months of January through April and August through November, where burn times are particularly brief, making sunscreen and protective clothing critical.
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 |
| Kununurra | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 16 |