Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Rottnest Island, Australia, where the sun shines brightly and the natural beauty invites outdoor exploration. Awareness of UV levels not only helps in sunburn prevention but also plays a significant role in maintaining skin health over time. With a Mediterranean climate (Csa), Rottnest Island experiences varying UV exposure risks throughout the day, peaking with a UV Index of 4 around midday. Staying informed about these levels empowers you to enjoy the island's stunning beaches while protecting yourself from harmful rays.
The UV Index shows a dynamic profile throughout the day, peaking at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, where it reaches a maximum of 4, indicating a moderate level of UV radiation. Early morning hours, such as 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, register a minimal 0 to 1, perfect for leisurely outdoor activities without concern for sun exposure. However, as the sun rises higher, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM is the time to be cautious, with values ranging from 3 to 4. The intensity tapers off in the late afternoon, dropping back to 2 by 3:00 PM, and eventually fading to 0 after 6:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of being mindful of sun safety, especially during mid-day hours when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest risk months being January, February, March, October, November, and December, where the index reaches extreme levels (up to 14) and the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. As spring arrives, the index decreases to very high levels in April (9) and high in May (6), extending burn times to 15 and 25 minutes respectively. The summer months see a moderate UV index (4) in June and July, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes, before rising again in August and September to high (6) and very high (8) categories with shorter burn times. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during the extreme months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and limiting sun exposure, especially during peak hours, to ensure their safety from harmful UV rays.
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 |
| Rottnest Island | 14 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 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 |