Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Merredin, Australia is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health, especially given the region's semi-arid climate that can lead to high UV exposure during the warmer months. As the sun rises, the UV levels rise significantly, peaking at 12:00 PM when they can reach a moderate level of 5, making it essential to be mindful of sun protection strategies to prevent sunburn. Knowledge of these UV levels not only aids in avoiding immediate discomfort but also plays a pivotal role in long-term skin health, helping residents enjoy Merredin's beautiful sunny days while safeguarding their skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index throughout the day follows a distinct pattern, with the intensity peaking at 12:00 PM when it reaches a noteworthy level of 5. Morning hours start off mild, with values of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, gradually escalating to 2 by 09:00, then climbing to 4 at 11:00. Post-noon, the index slightly decreases, falling to 4 again at 13:00, before tapering off to 2 by 15:00. As the day winds down, the levels drop significantly, plunging to 0 by 19:00. This highlights the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when UV radiation is at its strongest.
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | 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 Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variations, with the highest risks occurring during the winter months. Particularly, January, February, and March display an extreme UV Index of 15 and a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. As spring progresses, the UV Index decreases slightly in April to 9, categorized as very high with a burn time of 15 minutes, followed by a further reduction in May to 6 (high) and June to 4 (moderate), allowing for longer exposures of 25 and 30 minutes, respectively. Into the late summer and early fall, high-risk months return in September (UV Index 9) and October (UV Index 11), both marked as extreme with short burn times. With November and December maintaining extreme levels at 14 and 15, citizens and visitors alike should prioritize sun safety; applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade are critical to mitigating skin damage during these periods of elevated UV exposure.
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 |
| Merredin | 15 | 15 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 15 |
| Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |