UV index in Adelaide today
Adelaide's dry, cloudless summers deliver some of the harshest UV of any southern capital, with extreme readings routine in January. Even mild days in the Adelaide Hills carry high UV.
Today’s peak: 3.9 (moderate) around 11 am
Temperature: 12°C. Remember, UV and heat are unrelated
Protection: No protection needed for most people, unless outside for extended periods or near reflective surfaces like snow and water.
What does UV 0 mean for your skin?
Check my tan timeReading updates roughly every 30 minutes · data by Open-Meteo · reference monitoring by ARPANSA
When Adelaide needs sun protection
Sun protection is typically needed from September through April, with summer UV frequently in the very high to extreme range.
The threshold, per SunSmart and ARPANSA: whenever UV reaches 3 or above, Slip on covering clothing, Slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade and Slide on sunglasses. Read the full sun safety guide.
Where the UV adds up in Adelaide
Long, happy hours outdoors are where exposure quietly accumulates. Local favourites where the five S’s earn their keep:
- Glenelg and the metro coast tram beaches
- Adelaide Park Lands and Botanic Garden
- River Torrens Linear Park trail
- Adelaide Hills wineries and walking trails
The UV scale at a glance
- 0–2Low
- 3–5Moderate
- 6–7High
- 8–10Very high
- 11+Extreme
Local support in South Australia
Cancer Council SA: South Australian prevention programs and support services.