UV index in Canberra today
Canberra's elevation of around 580 metres means thinner atmosphere and stronger UV than its cool climate suggests. Crisp mornings turn into high-UV middays through the warmer months.
Today’s peak: 4.5 (moderate) around 1 pm
Temperature: 7°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 1 mean for your skin?
Check my tan timeReading updates roughly every 30 minutes · data by Open-Meteo · reference monitoring by ARPANSA
When Canberra needs sun protection
Sun protection is typically needed from September through April. Cold air is no protection: UV and temperature are unrelated.
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 Canberra
Long, happy hours outdoors are where exposure quietly accumulates. Local favourites where the five S’s earn their keep:
- Lake Burley Griffin loop
- Mount Ainslie and Black Mountain trails
- Commonwealth Park and Floriade in spring
- Stromlo Forest Park
The UV scale at a glance
- 0–2Low
- 3–5Moderate
- 6–7High
- 8–10Very high
- 11+Extreme
Local support in Australian Capital Territory
Cancer Council ACT: Sun-safety advice and support for the Canberra region.