When does Richmond need sun protection?

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

Does Richmond need sun protection in winter?

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

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 Richmond today

Richmond (QLD) is a coastal suburb at 21.1°S. Clear-sky summer peaks are typically 11–13 (extreme), and the same UV that burns on the sand is still there on a cool, windy arvo. 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 Richmond

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

When Richmond needs sun protection

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