What UV index do you need sunscreen at?
By the Sunloop UV team. Reviewed against Cancer Council and ARPANSA guidance on .
The short answer
Wear sunscreen whenever the UV index is 3 or higher. At 3, unprotected skin starts to burn, and the higher the number, the faster it happens. In much of Australia that means most days of the year, including plenty of cool and cloudy ones.
Why 3 is the line
The UV index was set up by the World Health Organization so that 3 marks the point where sun damage becomes likely for most skin. Below 3, short periods outside carry little risk. From 3 up, sun protection times begin, and Australian forecasts publish them every day.
What changes as the number climbs
Each step up the scale means skin burns faster. At 6 or 7, fair skin can redden in around 25 minutes. At 10 or more, it can take under 10. Sunscreen alone isn’t enough at those levels, so pair it with a hat, shade and covering clothing.
Why the temperature fools people
UV isn’t heat. A cool spring day in Melbourne can reach 8, while a hot evening sits at 0. Check the UV index, not the thermometer, when you decide whether to put sunscreen on.
Choosing and using sunscreen
Pick a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 50 or 50+. Use about a teaspoon for each arm, leg, front, back and face, apply it 20 minutes before going out, and reapply every two hours.
Check when you need sunscreen today
Sources
Related guides
Sun protection times, explained
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Up north, yes. Down south, often not, unless you're heading to the snow.
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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.