The UV index, explained for Australian conditions.
The UV index measures the strength of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, the invisible part of sunlight that burns skin and drives skin cancer. It runs from 0 upward with no ceiling, and in Australia summer readings of 11 or more (extreme) are routine. Crucially, UV has nothing to do with temperature: a cool, breezy day can burn you just as fast as a scorcher.
The rule used by SunSmart and ARPANSA is simple: when the UV index is 3 or above, protect your skin: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide.
The UV scale
| UV index | Level | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | Low | No protection needed for most people, unless outside for extended periods or near reflective surfaces like snow and water. |
| 3–5 | Moderate | Sun protection recommended: SPF 50+ sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and shade during the middle of the day. |
| 6–7 | High | Sun protection essential. Unprotected fair skin can burn in well under half an hour. |
| 8–10 | Very high | Extra protection needed: cover up, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, and avoid the midday sun. |
| 11+ | Extreme | Fair skin can burn in minutes. Stay indoors or in full shade during the middle of the day if you can. |
Live UV index by city
Live readings, today’s peak and local sun-protection notes for Australia’s major cities:
- UV index in SydneyNew South Wales
- UV index in MelbourneVictoria
- UV index in BrisbaneQueensland
- UV index in PerthWestern Australia
- UV index in AdelaideSouth Australia
- UV index in Gold CoastQueensland
- UV index in CanberraAustralian Capital Territory
- UV index in NewcastleNew South Wales
- UV index in HobartTasmania
- UV index in DarwinNorthern Territory
What does the UV index mean for your skin?
The same UV level burns different skin at very different speeds. Fairer Fitzpatrick skin types can burn several times faster than deeper tones, though every skin type can burn and develop skin cancer. Run a free skin check to see today’s UV translated into rough tanning and burn-time estimates for you.