Sun safety in Australia, without the homework.

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world: about 2 in 3 of us will be diagnosed with a skin cancer before age 70, according to Cancer Council Australia. The good news: most skin cancer is preventable. This page puts the essentials and every trusted resource in one place.

The five S’s: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide

Cancer Council’s famous campaign began with a seagull named Sid in 1981. Four decades on, the five S’s are still the complete checklist for any day the UV index reaches 3:

  1. Slip

    Slip on clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Long sleeves, collars, and densely woven fabric block UV better than thin or loose weaves.

  2. Slop

    Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen rated SPF 50 or higher. Apply 20 minutes before going out and reapply every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating.

  3. Slap

    Slap on a broad-brimmed, bucket or legionnaire hat that shades your face, head, neck and ears: the spots where Australians most often develop skin cancers.

  4. Seek

    Seek shade, especially in the middle of the day when UV is strongest. Trees, umbrellas and shade sails all cut your exposure substantially.

  5. Slide

    Slide on close-fitting, wrap-around sunglasses that meet the Australian standard (AS/NZS 1067) to protect your eyes and the skin around them.

Illustration of a sunny Australian beach day: smiling sun, striped umbrella, towel, sunscreen bottle, starfish, seashell and a happy crab by rolling turquoise waves

The one rule of thumb: UV 3+

Sunburn isn’t about heat. It’s about ultraviolet radiation, which you can’t see or feel. The UV index measures it, and the rule used by SunSmart and ARPANSA is simple: when UV is 3 or above, use sun protection. Check the live reading for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and other cities, or run a Sunwise skin check to see what today’s UV means for your skin type.

Frequently asked questions

When do I need sun protection in Australia?
Whenever the UV index is 3 or above, the threshold used by SunSmart and ARPANSA. In northern Australia that's every day of the year; in southern states it's typically from September through April, plus any winter day UV reaches 3 around midday.
Can I get sunburnt on a cloudy or cool day?
Yes. UV radiation can't be seen or felt and is unrelated to temperature. Up to 80% of UV passes through light cloud, and water, sand and snow reflect it back at you.
What sunscreen should I use?
Broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen rated SPF 50 or higher gives the best protection. In Australia sunscreens are regulated as therapeutic goods by the TGA and tested to the AS/NZS 2604 standard, so the label is reliable, as long as you apply enough (about a teaspoon per limb) and reapply every 2 hours.
Is there a safe way to tan?
No. A tan is your skin's response to UV damage, so any deliberate tanning adds to your lifetime skin-cancer risk. Health authorities including Cancer Council advise against tanning altogether. Sunwise shows tanning and burn-time estimates to help you understand how quickly UV affects your skin and limit your exposure, not to encourage tanning.
How common is skin cancer in Australia?
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Cancer Council estimates about 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before the age of 70. Most skin cancers are preventable with good sun protection.
How do I check my skin for warning signs?
Get to know your skin and look for new spots, or spots that change in size, shape or colour. Melanoma Institute Australia and Cancer Council both publish self-check guides, and see a doctor promptly about anything unusual. Sunwise does not check for skin cancer.

Trusted Australian resources

Sunwise is an educational tool, not a health authority. These organisations are, so bookmark them:

  • Cancer Council Australia

    Australia's leading cancer charity and the home of Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide. Prevention guidance, skin-cancer statistics and support.

  • SunSmart

    The SunSmart program: practical UV protection advice, the free SunSmart Global UV app, and resources for schools and workplaces.

  • ARPANSA

    The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency publishes real-time UV monitoring for Australian cities, the reference data for UV in Australia.

  • Bureau of Meteorology

    Official UV index forecasts and sun-protection times for locations across Australia.

  • Melanoma Institute Australia

    World-leading melanoma research, treatment and education, including how to spot a suspicious mole.

  • Healthdirect

    Government-funded health advice, including sunburn first aid and when to see a doctor.

  • Therapeutic Goods Administration

    Sunscreens in Australia are regulated as therapeutic goods and tested to the AS/NZS 2604 standard: what the SPF label really means.

  • Australasian College of Dermatologists

    Find a dermatologist and read A–Z skin health information written by specialists.

Your state or territory cancer council

Know your skin. Check how long it can tan for.

One photo estimates your skin type; live UV does the rest. Free, private, nothing stored.

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