Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Lake Argyle, Australia, where the intense BSh climate brings significant exposure to solar radiation. By being aware of the daily UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and maintain skin health, especially during peak times when the index climbs to an impressive 8 around noon. With UV levels consistently rising from early morning to their maximum around midday, it’s vital to take precautions to protect yourself from skin damage while enjoying the stunning landscapes and activities this unique region has to offer.
Throughout the day, the UV Index reveals a notable peak from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, hitting a maximum of 8, indicating a high level of ultraviolet radiation. Early in the morning, at 07:00, the index starts low at 1, gradually increasing to 5 by 09:00. By 10:00, it escalates to 7, making the sun's rays more intense. After reaching its midday high, the UV levels begin to drop, falling to 6 by 1:00 PM, and tapering off to 4 at 2:00 PM. The afternoon offers some relief, with the index decreasing to 2 by 3:00 PM, and finally returning to a minimal 1 at 4:00 PM before sinking to 0 from 5:00 PM onward. It's a clear reminder to take necessary precautions during those peak hours when UV exposure is at its most damaging.
| 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 | 6 | 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 |
| Lake Argyle | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 16 |