UV index 10 meaning
Very high
A UV index of 10 is Very high. Unprotected skin can burn in under 20 minutes, so use every form of sun protection while you’re outside.
What to do at UV 10
- Slip on clothing that covers your shouldersLong sleeves and a collar block more UV than any sunscreen can.
- Slop on SPF 50 or 50+ sunscreenBroad-spectrum and water-resistant, 20 minutes before you go out. Reapply every two hours.
- Slap on a broad-brimmed hatWide enough to shade your face, ears and neck. Caps leave too much exposed.
- Seek shadeShade from 11am to 3pm, when UV is at its strongest.
- Slide on wraparound sunglassesLook for category 2 or higher under the Australian Standard.
How quickly skin burns at UV 10
Burn time depends on skin type, reflection from sand or water, and altitude. As a rough guide from official sun-safety advice, very fair skin can burn in about 15 minutes at this level. Olive and darker skin takes longer to redden, but the UV damage still adds up.
If a burn blisters, or you feel unwell after time in the sun, see your GP.
Places at UV 10 right now
Updated 12:31am AEDT
None of the places we track are at UV 10 right now. See today’s UV across Australia.
Nearby levels
FAQs about UV 10
- Is UV 10 high?
- UV 10 is in the Very high category on the World Health Organization’s scale, which runs from Low (0 to 2) to Extreme (11 and above). Sun protection is recommended from 3 up.
- Do I need sunscreen at UV 10?
- Yes. Sun protection is recommended whenever the UV index is 3 or higher. Pair SPF 50 or 50+ sunscreen with a hat, clothing, shade and sunglasses.
- How long can you be in the sun at UV 10?
- There’s no safe amount of unprotected time once UV reaches 3, because damage adds up before skin goes red. As a rough guide from official sun-safety advice, very fair skin can burn in about 15 minutes at this level.
- When does the UV index reach 10 in Australia?
- Most summer days across Australia between late morning and mid-afternoon, and on many spring days too.