When does Burrum River need sun protection?

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

Does Burrum River need sun protection in winter?

Usually yes. At 25.3°S, winter middays in Burrum River 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.

Does the water make UV worse in Burrum River?

It can. The river reflect ultraviolet, so skin that is not covered — including under the chin and on the tops of feet — picks up extra dose on top of the direct sun. The live UV index on this page is the sky reading; reflection is on top of that.

UV index in Burrum River today

River Burrum River (QLD) is 25.3° south. Time on the water reflects ultraviolet back up, and January skies commonly run 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 Burrum River

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

When Burrum River needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Burrum River most of the year, including many winter middays. Time on the river reflects UV back up, so banks and boats need the same cover as a beach day.

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 Queensland

Cancer Council Queensland: Prevention and support in the state with Australia's highest skin-cancer rates.

Frequently asked questions

When does Burrum River need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Burrum River that is most of the year, including many winter middays. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.
Does Burrum River need sun protection in winter?: Usually yes. At 25.3°S, winter middays in Burrum River 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.
Does the water make UV worse in Burrum River?: It can. The river reflect ultraviolet, so skin that is not covered — including under the chin and on the tops of feet — picks up extra dose on top of the direct sun. The live UV index on this page is the sky reading; reflection is on top of that.