When does Byron Bay need sun protection?

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

Does Byron Bay need sun protection in winter?

Usually yes. At 28.6°S, winter middays in Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay?

It can. Sand and water 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 Byron Bay today

Australia's easternmost point catches the day's first sun and holds visitors on the beach for the rest of it. Byron's subtropical latitude gives it near-Queensland UV, extreme summer middays and burn-capable winter ones, served to a crowd on holiday and inclined to forget.

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

Today and tomorrow in Byron Bay

Peak UV, temperature and conditions for Byron Bay. 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 beach day in Byron Bay can still sit at protection levels. Why you burn on cloudy days.

When Byron Bay needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed most of the year in Byron Bay: September through May brings high to extreme middays, and clear winter days still commonly reach 3 or more.

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 Byron Bay

Long, happy hours outdoors are where exposure quietly accumulates. Local favourites where the five S’s earn their keep:

Main Beach, Wategos and the Pass
The Cape Byron lighthouse loop (fully exposed)
Tallow Beach's seven unshaded kilometres
Brunswick Heads river and beach

The UV scale at a glance

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

Local support in New South Wales

Cancer Council NSW: Sun-safety programs and skin-cancer support across New South Wales.

Frequently asked questions

When does Byron Bay need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Byron Bay that is most of the year, including many winter middays. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.
Does Byron Bay need sun protection in winter?: Usually yes. At 28.6°S, winter middays in Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay?: It can. Sand and water 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.