Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Wickham, Australia, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially in a region characterized by a BWh climate, which exposes residents to elevated UV radiation levels. With midday UV Index values peaking at 9, it's essential to adopt sun safety measures during the hottest hours—particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM—to safeguard against harmful effects. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or just soaking up the sun, being informed can make all the difference in maintaining healthy skin and preventing sun-related ailments.
The UV index throughout the day exhibits a dynamic rise and fall, reflecting the sun's intensity. At 07:00, the index starts low at 1, gradually climbing to 2 by 08:00. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 4, but excitement peaks at 12:00 with a striking 9, indicating a high risk for unprotected skin. The intensity tapers down after this noon pinnacle—falling to 8 at 13:00, then 6 at 14:00. As afternoon turns to evening, the index diminishes significantly, settling at 4 by 15:00, dropping to 2 at 16:00, and finally winding down to 1 by 17:00. As the sun sets, the index recedes completely, hitting 0 by 18:00, leaving a tranquil end to the day. Remember, during peak times, sun protection is crucial!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index values in the area fluctuate significantly, with the highest risk occurring from January to April, where the index consistently remains at 15 and the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. August and September also present considerable risks, with indices of 11 and 13, respectively. Notably, November and December return to extreme levels, matching January's severity. May shows a slight decrease to a very high index of 9 and an increased burn time of 15 minutes, while June and July offer a brief respite with high to very high risk levels. To ensure safety, it is crucial for visitors and residents to remain vigilant, especially during extreme months, by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting direct sunlight exposure during peak hours.
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 |
| Wickham | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 |