When does Lake Eacham need sun protection?

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

Does Lake Eacham need sun protection in winter?

Usually yes. At 17.3°S, winter middays in Lake Eacham 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 Lake Eacham?

It can. The lake surface 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 Lake Eacham today

Lake Eacham sits on the water in Queensland at 17.3°S. Lake glare works like a beach: UV from above and off the surface, with summer middays typically 12–14 (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 Lake Eacham

Peak UV, temperature and conditions for Lake Eacham. 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 lakeside day in Lake Eacham can still sit at protection levels. Why you burn on cloudy days.

When Lake Eacham needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Lake Eacham every day of the year. Lake glare adds a second dose on top of the sky reading, the same way a beach does.

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 Lake Eacham need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Lake Eacham that is every day of the year. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.
Does Lake Eacham need sun protection in winter?: Usually yes. At 17.3°S, winter middays in Lake Eacham 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 Lake Eacham?: It can. The lake surface 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.