Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Kingston, Norfolk Island, where the warm, temperate climate can lead to increased sun exposure. Awareness of UV levels not only aids in preventing sunburn but is also essential for maintaining long-term skin health. During peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 12 PM, UV levels can reach 5, posing a moderate risk for unprotected skin. With Kingston's inviting climate, understanding these UV exposure risks empowers you to enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing potential harm from the sun.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, providing a safe environment for morning activities. The intensity gradually increases, reaching 2 by 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it climbs to 4, indicating a moderate level of UV exposure. The peak arrives at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where the index hits 5, signaling a need for sun protection. The afternoon sees a decline, with readings at 4 at 1:00 PM, tapering to 3 by 2:00 PM. As the day begins to wind down, the UV Index drops steadily back to 1 by 4:00 PM, and sinks to 0 after 6:00 PM. This hourly data highlights the importance of safeguarding against UV exposure, especially during the midday 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 | 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 Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variance, peaking during the winter and late fall months. From January to March, the UV Index remains extremely high at 15, with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. This level of exposure suggests that January, February, and November are particularly high-risk months for harmful UV radiation, requiring visitors and residents to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing. As we transition into April and September, the UV Index decreases slightly to 9, categorized as very high, though burn time remains short at 15 minutes. By May and August, the risk moderates with a high exposure category (UV Index 6 and 7), allowing for slightly longer burn times of 25 minutes. As we approach the summer months of June and July, the Index stabilizes at 5, indicating moderate risk with a burn time of 30 minutes. Ultimately, maintaining awareness of UV levels and practicing safe sun exposure is essential, particularly during those high-risk months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingston | 15 | 15 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 15 |