UV index in Darwin today
Darwin sits deeper in the tropics than any other Australian capital, and its UV index is extreme nearly every single day of the year. Wet season, dry season, it makes no difference.
Today’s peak: 7.7 (high) around 1 pm
Temperature: 24°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 tan timeReading updates roughly every 30 minutes · data by Open-Meteo · reference monitoring by ARPANSA
When Darwin needs sun protection
Sun protection is essential every day of the year in Darwin. UV typically passes 3 by mid-morning and stays extreme through the middle of the day.
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 Darwin
Long, happy hours outdoors are where exposure quietly accumulates. Local favourites where the five S’s earn their keep:
- Mindil Beach at market time
- Darwin Waterfront and Wave Lagoon
- East Point Reserve cycle paths
- Litchfield waterholes on a day trip
The UV scale at a glance
- 0–2Low
- 3–5Moderate
- 6–7High
- 8–10Very high
- 11+Extreme
Local support in Northern Territory
Cancer Council NT: Prevention and support for the Top End, where UV stays extreme year-round.