When does Drysdale River need sun protection?

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

Does Drysdale River need sun protection in winter?

Usually yes. At 14.8°S, winter middays in Drysdale River 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 Drysdale River?

It can. The river 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 Drysdale River today

Drysdale River is a Western Australia river suburb at 14.8°S. Typical summer peaks of 12–14 (extreme) do not ease just because you are under a river red gum's thin shade. 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 Drysdale River

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

When Drysdale River needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Drysdale River every day of the year. Time on the river reflects UV back up, so banks and boats need the same cover as a beach 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.

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 Drysdale River need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Drysdale River that is every day of the year. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.
Does Drysdale River need sun protection in winter?: Usually yes. At 14.8°S, winter middays in Drysdale River 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 Drysdale River?: It can. The river 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.