When does Sunshine Coast need sun protection?

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

Does Sunshine Coast need sun protection in winter?

Usually yes. At 26.7°S, winter middays in Sunshine Coast 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 Sunshine Coast?

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 Sunshine Coast today

From Caloundra to Noosa, the Sunshine Coast is a hundred kilometres of surf breaks, board riders and beach walkers, under subtropical UV that earns the region's name. Even its mild winters keep midday readings at protection levels most days.

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

Today and tomorrow in Sunshine Coast

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

When Sunshine Coast needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed most of the year on the Sunshine Coast; from August through May UV is reliably moderate or higher, and summer middays run extreme.

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 Sunshine Coast

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

Noosa Main Beach and the national park headland
Mooloolaba Beach and the Spit
Kings Beach, Caloundra
Mount Coolum's exposed summit track

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 Sunshine Coast need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Sunshine Coast that is most of the year, including many winter middays. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.
Does Sunshine Coast need sun protection in winter?: Usually yes. At 26.7°S, winter middays in Sunshine Coast 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 Sunshine Coast?: 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.