When does Melbourne need sun protection?

Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Melbourne that is typically from October through March, and any spring or autumn day UV reaches 3. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.

Does Melbourne need sun protection in winter?

Not every day. Midwinter middays in Melbourne often sit below UV 3, but clear late-winter days (from August in much of Victoria) cross the threshold before the weather feels like spring. Check the live index.

Does city shade protect you from UV in Melbourne?

Only while you stay in it. Buildings cut some sky, but plazas, crossings and glass bounce UV onto uncovered skin. The live index on this page is the open-sky reading. Treat lunch outside as full-sun time whenever it is 3 or above.

UV index in Melbourne today

Melbourne's four-seasons-in-a-day weather hides a consistent truth: from spring to autumn the UV index regularly climbs above 3 even when it's cool and overcast. Victoria is the home of the SunSmart program, born here for good reason.

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

Today and tomorrow in Melbourne

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

When Melbourne needs sun protection

SunSmart Victoria recommends daily sun protection from September to the end of April. In winter, UV usually drops below 3, but check before long days outdoors.

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.

Where the UV adds up in Melbourne

Long, happy hours outdoors are where exposure quietly accumulates. Local favourites where the five S’s earn their keep:

St Kilda foreshore and Port Phillip Bay beaches
The Tan and Royal Botanic Gardens
Yarra Trail bike paths
MCG and suburban sports grounds on match day

The UV scale at a glance

0–2Low
3–5Moderate
6–7High
8–10Very high
11+Extreme

Local support in Victoria

Cancer Council Victoria: Runs the SunSmart program that pioneered UV-based sun protection advice.

Frequently asked questions

When does Melbourne need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Melbourne that is typically from October through March, and any spring or autumn day UV reaches 3. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.
Does Melbourne need sun protection in winter?: Not every day. Midwinter middays in Melbourne often sit below UV 3, but clear late-winter days (from August in much of Victoria) cross the threshold before the weather feels like spring. Check the live index.
Does city shade protect you from UV in Melbourne?: Only while you stay in it. Buildings cut some sky, but plazas, crossings and glass bounce UV onto uncovered skin. The live index on this page is the open-sky reading. Treat lunch outside as full-sun time whenever it is 3 or above.