Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Port Hedland, Australia, where sunny skies prevail in a BWh climate. With UV levels peaking at a remarkable 9 during midday hours, being aware of these readings is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. The intense sun exposure in this region increases the risk of skin damage, making it vital to take necessary precautions when enjoying outdoor activities. Whether you're basking on the beach or exploring the stunning landscapes, arm yourself with knowledge about the UV Index to safeguard your skin and maintain your well-being under the Australian sun.
The UV Index for the day starts off low, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, providing a gentle introduction to sunlight. As the morning progresses, it climbs gradually, peaking at 9 around 12:00, marking the sun's fierce midday intensity. The index remains high at 8 from 11:00 to 13:00, urging outdoor enthusiasts to seek shade and apply sunscreen. However, by the afternoon, the UV Index begins to taper off, declining to 4 at 15:00 and dropping further to 1 by 17:00, before finally hitting 0 in the evening. This fluctuation highlights the importance of being sun-smart, especially during those critical midday hours when UV exposure can be most damaging.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The seasonal UV changes reveal consistently high UV Index levels throughout the year, particularly alarming during the high-risk months from January to March and again from August to November, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 15 in many instances. Notably, April also presents a significant risk with an Index of 12. In contrast, the months of May and July exhibit slightly lower but still concerning levels at 9. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during these peak periods, ensuring to limit sun exposure and employ protective measures such as sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Adjusting outdoor activities to early morning or late afternoon can further reduce the risk of harmful 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 |
| Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| Port Hedland | 15 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 |