Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of York, Australia, as it serves as a vital tool for sun safety and skin health. With York's Mediterranean climate (Csa), the risk of harmful UV exposure can spike, especially during peak hours. Knowing the UV levels helps you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. For instance, UV Index readings often reach levels of 6 around midday, signaling an increased risk of harm. Staying informed about these levels not only protects your skin but also enhances your overall wellbeing while enjoying the beautiful York sunshine.
The UV Index today showcased a notable increase from the early morning hours, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rose higher in the sky, the index climbed steadily, reaching a significant 6 by 12:00, indicating a peak in UV radiation and the need for sun protection. The afternoon saw a slight decline, with values dropping to 4 at 14:00 and falling further to 2 by 15:00. As the day wound down, the UV index returned to a safer range, ending the day at 0 by 19:00. It’s crucial to stay informed and safeguard your skin during those high UV hours!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | 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 |