When does Sun Valley need sun protection?

Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Sun Valley that is most of the year, including many winter middays. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.

Does Sun Valley need sun protection in winter?

Usually yes. At 23.9°S, winter middays in Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley?

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 Sun Valley today

Sun Valley (QLD) is a coastal suburb at 23.9°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 subtropical sun: protection weather for most of the year, with winter middays that still often reach 3 or more.

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

Today and tomorrow in Sun Valley

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

When Sun Valley needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Sun Valley most of the year, including many winter middays. 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 Sun Valley need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Sun Valley that is most of the year, including many winter middays. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.
Does Sun Valley need sun protection in winter?: Usually yes. At 23.9°S, winter middays in Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley?: 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.