When does Adelaide need sun protection?

Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Adelaide that is typically from September through April, and any other day UV reaches 3. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.

Does Adelaide need sun protection in winter?

Not every day. Midwinter middays in Adelaide often sit below UV 3, but clear late-winter days (from August in much of South Australia) cross the threshold before the weather feels like spring. Check the live index.

Does city shade protect you from UV in Adelaide?

Only while you stay in it. Buildings cut some sky, but plazas, crossings and glass bounce UV onto uncovered skin. The live index on this page is the open-sky reading. Treat lunch outside as full-sun time whenever it is 3 or above.

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.

Live reading · data by Open-Meteo · reference monitoring by ARPANSA

Today and tomorrow in Adelaide

Peak UV, temperature and conditions for Adelaide. Tomorrow’s peak is the number to plan around if you’re heading out in the middle of the day.

Weather conditions right now

Cloud and rain cut heat more than they cut UV. A partly cloudy day in Adelaide can still sit at protection levels. Why you burn on cloudy days.

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.

Frequently asked questions

When does Adelaide need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Adelaide that is typically from September through April, and any other day UV reaches 3. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.
Does Adelaide need sun protection in winter?: Not every day. Midwinter middays in Adelaide often sit below UV 3, but clear late-winter days (from August in much of South Australia) cross the threshold before the weather feels like spring. Check the live index.
Does city shade protect you from UV in Adelaide?: Only while you stay in it. Buildings cut some sky, but plazas, crossings and glass bounce UV onto uncovered skin. The live index on this page is the open-sky reading. Treat lunch outside as full-sun time whenever it is 3 or above.