When does Tablelands need sun protection?

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

Does Tablelands need sun protection in winter?

Usually yes. At 19.7°S, winter middays in Tablelands 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.

Is UV worse in dry inland Tablelands?

Often the dose is higher than a coastal day at the same index, because there is so little shade or haze. At 19.7°S the sky is frequently clear, so the live reading on this page is what you get — not a filtered version.

UV index in Tablelands today

Tablelands is an arid Northern Territory locality at 19.7°S. Typical summer peaks of 12–14 (extreme) arrive under hard blue sky, with heat that tempts you to forget covering up. 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 Tablelands

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

When Tablelands needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Tablelands every day of the year. Dry air and almost no natural shade mean the index on this page is the whole story — there is little cloud or tree cover to blunt it.

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 Northern Territory

Cancer Council NT: Prevention and support for the Top End, where UV stays extreme year-round.

Frequently asked questions

When does Tablelands need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Tablelands that is every day of the year. SunSmart and ARPANSA use the same rule Australia-wide.
Does Tablelands need sun protection in winter?: Usually yes. At 19.7°S, winter middays in Tablelands 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.
Is UV worse in dry inland Tablelands?: Often the dose is higher than a coastal day at the same index, because there is so little shade or haze. At 19.7°S the sky is frequently clear, so the live reading on this page is what you get — not a filtered version.