When does Alice Springs need sun protection?

Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Alice Springs that is most of the year, including many winter middays. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.

Does Alice Springs need sun protection in winter?

Usually yes. At 23.7°S, winter middays in Alice Springs still commonly reach UV 3 or higher, the SunSmart threshold for Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide. Check today's live reading on this page before a long lunch outside.

Can you burn on a cool day in Alice Springs?

Yes. UV is not heat. A cool, windy or lightly cloudy day in Alice Springs can still sit at UV 3 or above, especially from spring through autumn. Temperature on this page is for context only; the UV number is what decides protection.

UV index in Alice Springs today

Alice Springs in Northern Territory sits inland at 23.7°S, where dry air and fewer clouds often mean harsher UV than the temperature suggests. Summer middays typically reach 11–13 (extreme). This is subtropical sun: protection weather for most of the year, with winter middays that still often reach 3 or more.

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

Today and tomorrow in Alice Springs

Peak UV, temperature and conditions for Alice Springs. 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 Alice Springs can still sit at protection levels. Why you burn on cloudy days.

When Alice Springs needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Alice Springs most of the year, including many winter middays. Inland heat or a cool change does not change the UV index; go by the number, not how the day feels.

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.

The UV scale at a glance

0–2Low
3–5Moderate
6–7High
8–10Very high
11+Extreme

Local support in Northern Territory

Cancer Council NT: Prevention and support for the Top End, where UV stays extreme year-round.

Frequently asked questions

When does Alice Springs need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Alice Springs that is most of the year, including many winter middays. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.
Does Alice Springs need sun protection in winter?: Usually yes. At 23.7°S, winter middays in Alice Springs still commonly reach UV 3 or higher, the SunSmart threshold for Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide. Check today's live reading on this page before a long lunch outside.
Can you burn on a cool day in Alice Springs?: Yes. UV is not heat. A cool, windy or lightly cloudy day in Alice Springs can still sit at UV 3 or above, especially from spring through autumn. Temperature on this page is for context only; the UV number is what decides protection.