When does Sydney need sun protection?

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

Does Sydney need sun protection in winter?

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

Does city shade protect you from UV in Sydney?

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 Sydney today

Between the harbour, a hundred ocean pools and beaches from Bondi to Cronulla, Sydneysiders rack up serious outdoor hours. Sydney's UV index reaches extreme levels on summer days and stays high enough to burn well into autumn, and sea breezes make it easy to underestimate.

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

Today and tomorrow in Sydney

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

When Sydney needs sun protection

Sun protection is typically needed from September through April, and on any day the UV index reaches 3, which in Sydney can happen even in winter 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 Sydney

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

Bondi to Coogee coastal walk
Manly and the northern beaches
Royal Botanic Garden and the Domain
Parramatta River parklands

The UV scale at a glance

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

Local support in New South Wales

Cancer Council NSW: Sun-safety programs and skin-cancer support across New South Wales.

Frequently asked questions

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