Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Northam, Australia, where the sunny climate can pose significant risks for skin health. With UV levels peaking at 4 around midday, being informed about these levels is crucial for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. In Northam’s Mediterranean climate (Csa), the combination of high sun exposure and outdoor activities makes it even more important to keep an eye on UV readings. Stay vigilant and protect your skin by knowing when the UV Index is highest, ensuring safe enjoyment of the beautiful Australian sun!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a notable peak from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, where it reaches a maximum of 4, indicating a moderate level of UV radiation. Starting off the morning at 7:00 AM with a UV Index of 0, it gradually rises to 1 by 8:00 AM, and hits 2 by 9:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity increases, peaking at 4 by 12:00 PM and remaining steady until 1:00 PM. After this peak, the UV levels begin to decline, dropping back to 3 at 2:00 PM, then gradually tapering off to 1 by 4:00 PM and returning to 0 by 6:00 PM. It's a day that serves as a reminder to stay protected during midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | 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 | 4 | 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, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variation, with the highest risk occurring during the winter months and the transition into spring. January, February, and March all present extreme exposure levels with a UV Index of 15, necessitating careful sun protection as the burn time is limited to just 10 minutes. This trend continues into October and November, where the index remains high at 14, still demanding vigilance. April marks a slight decrease to a very high index of 9, allowing for a longer burn time of 15 minutes, while May and August see a moderation to high levels with indices of 6, where burn time extends to 25 minutes. June and July further decrease UV risk to moderate levels with an index of 4-5, allowing up to 30 minutes of sun exposure. As summer fades in September, the UV Index surges again to 9. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen, particularly from October through March and again in September, to guard against skin damage during these peak months.
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 |
| Northam | 15 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 |
| Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |