When does Curtis Island need sun protection?

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

Does Curtis Island need sun protection in winter?

Usually yes. At 23.8°S, winter middays in Curtis Island 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 Curtis Island?

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 Curtis Island today

At 23.8°S, Curtis Island is surrounded by reflective water. Typical summer peaks of 11–13 (extreme) plus sea glare make this a full-cover, full-sunscreen place. 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 Curtis Island

Peak UV, temperature and conditions for Curtis Island. 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 island day in Curtis Island can still sit at protection levels. Why you burn on cloudy days.

When Curtis Island needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Curtis Island most of the year, including many winter middays. With water on more than one side, reflection is the default, not a beach-only problem.

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 Curtis Island need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Curtis Island that is most of the year, including many winter middays. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.
Does Curtis Island need sun protection in winter?: Usually yes. At 23.8°S, winter middays in Curtis Island 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 Curtis Island?: 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.