Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in York, Australia. With its Csa climate, which brings warm summers and mild winters, being aware of UV levels can significantly contribute to preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. During peak hours, particularly around midday when the UV Index can reach up to 5, the risk of harmful effects from sun exposure increases. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to enjoy the beautiful York climate safely while minimizing your risk of skin damage.
The UV Index throughout the day shows a gradual rise and fall, peaking at 12:00 PM with a value of 5, indicating a moderate level of UV exposure. Starting from a safe 0 at 07:00 AM, the index begins to increase, reaching 3 by 10:00 AM and climbing to 4 at 11:00 AM. As the sun reaches its zenith, the UV Index hits its max at 12:00 PM, before gradually declining to 4 at 1:00 PM and then to 3 by 2:00 PM. After that, it gently descends to 1 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, before dropping back to 0 by 6:00 PM as the sun sets. Overall, the day presents varied UV levels, reminding us to stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 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, UV exposure varies significantly, with January through March experiencing extreme levels (UV Index 15-12) and a minimal burn time of 10 minutes, marking these as high-risk months for sunburn. As we move into April, while the index drops to 9 (very high), the burn time increases slightly to 15 minutes. From May to July, the risk level decreases, with May at high (UV Index 6) and June and July at moderate (UV Index 4), allowing for longer exposure times of 25-30 minutes before burning occurs. However, August reverts to high with a UV Index of 6, leading into a very high UV index in September (9). The year wraps up with extreme levels returning in October and November (UV Index 11-14) and a burn time of just 10 minutes, emphasizing the importance of sun protection even in the cooler months. Residents and visitors are advised to prioritize UV safety, particularly from January to March and in October and November, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun 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 |
| York | 15 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 |
| Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |