When does Hobart need sun protection?

Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Hobart that is typically from October through March, and any spring or autumn day UV reaches 3. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.

Does Hobart need sun protection in winter?

Not every day. Midwinter middays in Hobart often sit below UV 3, but clear late-winter days (from August in much of Tasmania) cross the threshold before the weather feels like spring. Check the live index.

Does city shade protect you from UV in Hobart?

Only while you stay in it. Buildings cut some sky, but plazas, crossings and glass bounce UV onto uncovered skin. The live index on this page is the open-sky reading. Treat lunch outside as full-sun time whenever it is 3 or above.

UV index in Hobart today

Australia's southernmost capital still gets summer UV in the very high range. Clear Tasmanian air and long daylight hours catch out locals and visitors who assume the cool climate is safe.

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

Today and tomorrow in Hobart

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

When Hobart needs sun protection

Sun protection is typically needed from October through March, and on any spring or autumn day the UV index reaches 3.

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 Hobart

Long, happy hours outdoors are where exposure quietly accumulates. Local favourites where the five S’s earn their keep:

kunanyi / Mount Wellington tracks
Salamanca and the Hobart waterfront
Seven Mile Beach
MONA lawns and ferry deck

The UV scale at a glance

0–2Low
3–5Moderate
6–7High
8–10Very high
11+Extreme

Local support in Tasmania

Cancer Council Tasmania: Tasmanian sun-safety education and community support.

Frequently asked questions

When does Hobart need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Hobart that is typically from October through March, and any spring or autumn day UV reaches 3. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.
Does Hobart need sun protection in winter?: Not every day. Midwinter middays in Hobart often sit below UV 3, but clear late-winter days (from August in much of Tasmania) cross the threshold before the weather feels like spring. Check the live index.
Does city shade protect you from UV in Hobart?: Only while you stay in it. Buildings cut some sky, but plazas, crossings and glass bounce UV onto uncovered skin. The live index on this page is the open-sky reading. Treat lunch outside as full-sun time whenever it is 3 or above.