When does Durham Downs need sun protection?

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

Does Durham Downs need sun protection in winter?

Usually yes. At 26.1°S, winter middays in Durham Downs 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.

Can you burn on a cool day in Durham Downs?

Yes. UV is not heat. A cool, windy or lightly cloudy day in Durham Downs can still sit at UV 3 or above, especially from spring through autumn. Temperature on this page is for context only; the UV number is what decides protection.

UV index in Durham Downs today

Durham Downs is an inland Queensland suburb at 26.1°S. Typical summer peaks of 11–13 (extreme) arrive whether the day feels scorching or merely mild. 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 Durham Downs

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

When Durham Downs needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Durham Downs most of the year, including many winter middays. Inland heat or a cool change does not change the UV index; go by the number, not how the day feels.

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 Durham Downs need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Durham Downs that is most of the year, including many winter middays. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.
Does Durham Downs need sun protection in winter?: Usually yes. At 26.1°S, winter middays in Durham Downs 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.
Can you burn on a cool day in Durham Downs?: Yes. UV is not heat. A cool, windy or lightly cloudy day in Durham Downs can still sit at UV 3 or above, especially from spring through autumn. Temperature on this page is for context only; the UV number is what decides protection.