Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Southern Cross, Australia, where the unique BSk climate brings about varying solar radiation levels. As the sun rises, so does the potential for skin damage, making it essential to grasp the significance of UV levels for sunburn prevention and overall skin health. With peak UV readings reaching 5 around midday, awareness is key to protecting yourself from harmful effects, especially in a region with intense sunlight. By staying informed, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin from long-term damage.
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, the UV Index exhibits significant fluctuations, with the high-risk months primarily occurring from January to March and later in October to November, where the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 15 and burn times are as short as 10 minutes. Particularly alarming is the month of February, which also registers a UV Index of 15. Conversely, April sees a decrease to a very high category with an index of 9, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. As the year progresses, the UV Index drops to moderate levels in June and July, but spikes again in August and September. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions during the extreme and very high exposure months by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, particularly during peak hours. Staying informed about the UV Index can significantly reduce the risk of sun-related health issues.
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 |
| Southern Cross | 15 | 15 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 15 |
| Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |