Do you need sunscreen in winter in Australia?
By the Sunloop UV team. Reviewed against Cancer Council and ARPANSA guidance on .
The short answer
It depends where you live. In northern Australia UV stays at 3 or above all year, so sunscreen is needed in winter too. In the southern capitals, winter UV often sits below 3, and short spells outside are fine. Snow and altitude change that, so check the daily index.
North and south are different countries for UV
Darwin, Cairns and Townsville sit close enough to the equator that the midday sun stays high all year. Winter UV there regularly reaches 6 or more, so the summer routine carries on.
Further south the picture changes. In Melbourne, Hobart and Adelaide, the UV index often peaks below 3 through June and July. Sydney, Perth and Brisbane sit in between, with plenty of winter days that tip over 3 around midday.
The snow exception
Fresh snow reflects up to 80% of UV back at you, and UV rises as you climb. A clear day on the slopes in August can bring a higher UV index than the beach in Melbourne on the same day. Sunscreen, sunglasses or goggles, and a lip balm with SPF are worth packing.
How to tell on the day
Check the index for your suburb. If it reaches 3, the sun protection times show you when. If it stays below 3 all day, a short time outside without sunscreen is fine for most people.
Vitamin D
Low winter UV is also when many people in southern Australia get less vitamin D. If you’re worried about your levels, talk to your GP rather than skipping sun protection on high-UV days.
Check when you need sunscreen today
Sources
Related guides
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General information only, not medical advice. If you’re worried about a spot, a mole or a bad burn, see your GP or a dermatologist.