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UV Index in Australia — What You Need to Know
Australia has some of the highest UV radiation levels in the world. Unlike Europe or North America, the UV index in Australian cities can reach Extreme (11+) even in autumn and winter in northern regions. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia — over 2,000 Australians die from it each year.
What is the UV Index?
The UV index is an international measurement of ultraviolet radiation intensity. A UV index of 3 or above requires sun protection. In Australian summers, it's common to see UV 12–14 in cities like Darwin, Cairns, and Brisbane — levels that can cause sunburn in under 10 minutes on unprotected skin.
UV Protection Guidelines
- Low (1–2): No protection needed. Safe to be outdoors.
- Moderate (3–5): Wear SPF 30+ sunscreen, a hat, seek shade at midday.
- High (6–7): SPF 50+, UPF50+ clothing, sunglasses, and shade are essential.
- Very High (8–10): Minimise outdoor activity 10am–4pm. Reapply SPF 50+ every 2 hours.
- Extreme (11+): Unprotected skin burns in minutes. Maximum protection at all times.
UV Across Australian Cities
UV levels vary significantly by latitude and season. Darwin and Cairns record the highest annual UV levels. Brisbane and Perth regularly hit Extreme in summer. Even Melbourne and Hobart reach Very High in December and January. Adelaide sees Extreme UV from November to February.
Data Source
All UV data is sourced directly from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) official API. Data is fetched in real time when you search — no caching or delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UV index in Australia today?
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Search your suburb or city above to get today's live UV index from the Bureau of Meteorology. UV levels change throughout the day and vary by location — coastal areas and north-facing locations often record higher UV.
What UV level is dangerous in Australia?
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Any UV index of 3 or above requires sun protection in Australia. UV 6–7 is classified as High, 8–10 as Very High, and 11+ as Extreme. At UV 11+, unprotected fair skin can begin to burn in as little as 8–10 minutes.
What time of day is UV highest in Australia?
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UV radiation peaks around solar noon — roughly 12:30–1:30pm standard time, or 1:30–2:30pm during daylight saving. The "protection window" (when UV is 3+) is shown for your specific location after you search. In summer it can span from 8am to 6pm in northern Australia.
Can you get sunburnt on a cloudy day in Australia?
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Yes. Up to 80% of UV radiation penetrates cloud cover. In Australia, UV can still reach High or Very High levels on overcast days. Always check the UV index, not just the cloud cover or temperature.
What SPF sunscreen should I use in Australia?
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Cancer Council Australia recommends SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen, applied 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every 2 hours. SPF 30+ is the minimum for UV index 3–5, but SPF 50+ is recommended for Australian conditions year-round.
Where does this UV data come from?
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All UV data is sourced directly from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) official weather API. BOM provides UV forecasts for thousands of Australian locations based on satellite data, ozone measurements, and atmospheric modelling.