When does Dampier Archipelago need sun protection?

Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Dampier Archipelago that is every day of the year. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.

Does Dampier Archipelago need sun protection in winter?

Usually yes. At 20.5°S, winter middays in Dampier Archipelago 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 Dampier Archipelago?

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 Dampier Archipelago today

Coastal Dampier Archipelago in Western Australia is a high-exposure pocket. At 20.5°S the summer UV index commonly hits 11–13 (extreme), and glare off the water means you cop it from above and below. This is tropical Australia: the UV index is extreme on most days and does not take a winter off.

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

Today and tomorrow in Dampier Archipelago

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

When Dampier Archipelago needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Dampier Archipelago every day of the year. On the water or the sand, reflection can lift your dose even when the forecast UV already looks high.

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 Western Australia

Cancer Council WA: West Australian sun-safety campaigns and SunSmart schools.

Frequently asked questions

When does Dampier Archipelago need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Dampier Archipelago that is every day of the year. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.
Does Dampier Archipelago need sun protection in winter?: Usually yes. At 20.5°S, winter middays in Dampier Archipelago 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 Dampier Archipelago?: 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.