When does Mackay Harbour need sun protection?

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

Does Mackay Harbour need sun protection in winter?

Usually yes. At 21.1°S, winter middays in Mackay Harbour 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 Mackay Harbour?

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 Mackay Harbour today

Mackay Harbour sits on the Queensland coast at 21.1°S, where sand and water bounce extra UV onto uncovered skin. Sea breeze cools the air, not the ultraviolet: summer middays here typically reach 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 Mackay Harbour

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

When Mackay Harbour needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Mackay Harbour every day of the year. On the water or the sand, reflection can lift your dose even when the forecast UV already looks high.

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 Mackay Harbour need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Mackay Harbour that is every day of the year. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.
Does Mackay Harbour need sun protection in winter?: Usually yes. At 21.1°S, winter middays in Mackay Harbour 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 Mackay Harbour?: 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.