When does Oak Beach need sun protection?

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

Does Oak Beach need sun protection in winter?

Usually yes. At 16.6°S, winter middays in Oak Beach 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 Oak Beach?

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 Oak Beach today

Oak Beach sits on the Queensland coast at 16.6°S, where sand and water bounce extra UV onto uncovered skin. Sea breeze cools the air, not the ultraviolet: summer middays here typically reach 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 Oak Beach

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

When Oak Beach needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Oak Beach 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 Oak Beach need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Oak Beach that is every day of the year. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.
Does Oak Beach need sun protection in winter?: Usually yes. At 16.6°S, winter middays in Oak Beach 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 Oak Beach?: 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.