When does Palmerston need sun protection?

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

Does Palmerston need sun protection in winter?

Usually yes. At 17.6°S, winter middays in Palmerston 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.

Can you burn on a cool day in Palmerston?

Yes. UV is not heat. A cool, windy or lightly cloudy day in Palmerston can still sit at UV 3 or above, especially from spring through autumn. Temperature on this page is for context only; the UV number is what decides protection.

UV index in Palmerston today

Palmerston in Queensland sits inland at 17.6°S, where dry air and fewer clouds often mean harsher UV than the temperature suggests. Summer middays 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 Palmerston

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

When Palmerston needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Palmerston every day of the year. Inland heat or a cool change does not change the UV index; go by the number, not how the day feels.

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 Palmerston need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Palmerston that is every day of the year. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.
Does Palmerston need sun protection in winter?: Usually yes. At 17.6°S, winter middays in Palmerston 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.
Can you burn on a cool day in Palmerston?: Yes. UV is not heat. A cool, windy or lightly cloudy day in Palmerston can still sit at UV 3 or above, especially from spring through autumn. Temperature on this page is for context only; the UV number is what decides protection.