UV index in Cairns today

At 17 degrees south, Cairns sits deeper in the tropics than almost any Australian city, and its UV shows it: extreme readings for most of the year, with even July middays reaching levels that burn fair skin inside half an hour. Reef trips add water reflection on top.

Right now0.0Low

Today’s peak: 7.2 (high) around 1 pm

Temperature: 19°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 burn time

Reading updates roughly every 30 minutes · data by Open-Meteo · reference monitoring by ARPANSA

When Cairns needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed every day of the year in Cairns. UV passes 3 by mid-morning even in the depths of the dry season, and summer readings routinely exceed 14.

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 Cairns

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

  • The Esplanade Lagoon and boardwalk
  • Great Barrier Reef day trips (water reflection doubles up)
  • Palm Cove and the northern beaches
  • The Red Arrow track and Botanic Gardens

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.

Live UV in other cities