When does Katherine need sun protection?

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

Does Katherine need sun protection in winter?

Usually yes. At 14.5°S, winter middays in Katherine 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 Katherine?

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 Katherine today

Katherine sits on the river in Northern Territory at 14.5°S. Open water and bare banks mean extra UV on top of a summer midday that typically reaches 12–14 (extreme). This is tropical latitude: the UV index stays high on most days and does not take a winter off.

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

Today and tomorrow in Katherine

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

When Katherine needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Katherine 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 Northern Territory

Cancer Council NT: Prevention and support for the Top End, where UV stays extreme year-round.

Frequently asked questions

When does Katherine need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Katherine that is every day of the year. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.
Does Katherine need sun protection in winter?: Usually yes. At 14.5°S, winter middays in Katherine 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 Katherine?: 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.