When does Dutton River need sun protection?

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

Does Dutton River need sun protection in winter?

Usually yes. At 20.5°S, winter middays in Dutton 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 Dutton 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 Dutton River today

River Dutton River (QLD) is 20.5° south. Time on the water reflects ultraviolet back up, and January skies commonly run 11–13 (extreme). 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 Dutton River

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

When Dutton River needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Dutton 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 Queensland

Cancer Council Queensland: Prevention and support in the state with Australia's highest skin-cancer rates.

Frequently asked questions

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