Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Mount Barker, Australia, where the climate reveals a Mediterranean character but can expose individuals to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day. Awareness of UV levels is essential not just for preventing sunburn but also for maintaining long-term skin health, as repeated exposure can lead to serious skin issues. During peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the UV Index can reach levels between 5, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. With its sunny climate, it’s important for everyone in Mount Barker to stay informed about daily UV ratings and take the necessary precautions to protect their skin from potential damage.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a notable oscillation in sun exposure. Early morning hours from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM see a mild UV Index of 1, indicating minimal risk. As the sun ascends, the intensity rises sharply, peaking at 5 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, marking the day’s highest risk for skin damage. Following this peak, the index tapers off in the afternoon, returning to a manageable 2 by 3:00 PM, before descending to a safe 0 by 6:00 PM. It’s clear that the primary concern for sun safety lies during mid-day; ensure to protect your skin when the UV Index hits its zenith!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | 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 fluctuations, with January, February, March, November, and December being classified as high-risk months due to their extreme exposure categories and a burn time of only 10 minutes. As spring approaches, April marks a transition to a very high category with a UV Index of 8 and a 15-minute burn time, while May to August sees a moderate index ranging from 5 to 3, allowing for a safer exposure time of 30 minutes. The UV Index begins to rise again in September at 7, categorized as high, before returning to very high in October. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during the extreme months—wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours—to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
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 |
| Mount Barker | 14 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 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 |