When does Horseshoe Bay need sun protection?

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

Does Horseshoe Bay need sun protection in winter?

Usually yes. At 19.1°S, winter middays in Horseshoe Bay 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 Horseshoe Bay?

It can. Sand and water 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 Horseshoe Bay today

Horseshoe Bay is an island community in Queensland at 19.1°S, with water on more than one side and little inland shade. Summer middays typically reach 12–14 (extreme), and glare comes off the sea from every direction. 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 Horseshoe Bay

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

When Horseshoe Bay needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Horseshoe Bay every day of the year. With water on more than one side, reflection is the default, not a beach-only problem.

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 Horseshoe Bay need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Horseshoe Bay that is every day of the year. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.
Does Horseshoe Bay need sun protection in winter?: Usually yes. At 19.1°S, winter middays in Horseshoe Bay 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 Horseshoe Bay?: It can. Sand and water 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.