What UV index needs sunscreen?
From 3 up. Here's why that's the line, and what changes as the number climbs.
2 min read
UV index near you
Today’s UV and sun protection times for every Australian suburb and beach, updated hourly.
Uses your location once to find the nearest suburb. Nothing is stored.
Capital cities today
- Sydney7HighProtection 9:50am to 2:50pm
- Melbourne7HighProtection 10:10am to 5:00pm
- Brisbane8Very highProtection 9:30am to 4:10pm
- Perth7HighProtection 8:50am to 4:30pm
- Adelaide7HighProtection 11:40am to 4:50pm
- Hobart6HighProtection 10:00am to 5:10pm
- Canberra7HighProtection 10:00am to 5:00pm
- Darwin9Very highProtection 8:30am to 4:40pm
Highest UV right now
UV is 0 across Australia right now. These are today’s highest peaks. Updated 12:31am AEDT
- Darwin, NT9Very high8:30am to 4:40pm
- Brisbane, QLD8Very high9:30am to 4:10pm
- Southport, QLD8Very high9:20am to 4:00pm
- Buderim, QLD8Very high8:40am to 4:10pm
- Caboolture, QLD8Very high8:40am to 4:10pm
What the numbers mean
The UV index runs from 0 to 11 and beyond. At 3 or higher, unprotected skin starts to burn, so that’s when sun protection times begin.
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Extreme
Guides
Sun protection times, explained
The daily window when UV is 3 or more, and why so few people use it.
2 min read
Can you get sunburnt on a cloudy day?
Yes. Thin cloud lets most UV through, and some clouds bounce it around.
2 min read
Do you need sunscreen in winter?
Up north, yes. Down south, often not, unless you're heading to the snow.
2 min read
Put today’s UV on your school’s website
A free widget for your suburb or beach, with a “Hats on” mode for playground duty. It updates itself every hour.
Get the free widget