When does Perth need sun protection?

Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Perth that is typically from September through April, and any other day UV reaches 3. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.

Does Perth need sun protection in winter?

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

Does city shade protect you from UV in Perth?

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 Perth today

Perth is one of the sunniest capitals on Earth, with clear-sky summer days that push the UV index deep into extreme territory. The afternoon 'Fremantle Doctor' cools the air, not the UV.

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

Today and tomorrow in Perth

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

When Perth needs sun protection

Sun protection is typically needed from August through May, and on winter days whenever UV reaches 3 around midday.

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 Perth

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

Cottesloe and Scarborough beaches
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Swan River foreshore cycle paths
Rottnest Island day trips

The UV scale at a glance

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

Local support in Western Australia

Cancer Council WA: West Australian sun-safety campaigns and SunSmart schools.

Frequently asked questions

When does Perth need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Perth that is typically from September through April, and any other day UV reaches 3. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.
Does Perth need sun protection in winter?: Not every day. Midwinter middays in Perth often sit below UV 3, but clear late-winter days (from August in much of Western Australia) cross the threshold before the weather feels like spring. Check the live index.
Does city shade protect you from UV in Perth?: 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.