When does Lake Mackay need sun protection?

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

Does Lake Mackay need sun protection in winter?

Usually yes. At 22.6°S, winter middays in Lake Mackay 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 Mackay?

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 Mackay today

Lakeside Lake Mackay (NT) is 22.6° south. Time on the water or the foreshore adds reflection on top of a January sky that commonly reaches 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 Lake Mackay

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

When Lake Mackay needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Lake Mackay 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 Northern Territory

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

Frequently asked questions

When does Lake Mackay need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Lake Mackay that is every day of the year. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.
Does Lake Mackay need sun protection in winter?: Usually yes. At 22.6°S, winter middays in Lake Mackay 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 Mackay?: 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.