What UV index do I need sun protection?

Sun protection is recommended whenever the UV index reaches 3 or above. In Australia, this means sun protection is needed most of the year in northern states, and from September to April in southern states.

What do the UV index numbers mean?

UV index 1-2 is low (no protection needed). UV 3-5 is moderate. UV 6-7 is high. UV 8-10 is very high. UV 11+ is extreme. Australia regularly sees UV levels of 10-14 in summer.

UV Index & Sun Protection Alert

📋 Source: UV index data from Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). UV Alert thresholds from Cancer Council Australia. Sun protection recommended when UV Index ≥3. arpansa.gov.au
This page is general information, not medical advice — talk to your GP about personal skin cancer risk.

Check today's UV levels for your city. Protect your skin when the UV index is 3 or above — which is most days in Australia.

UV Index Scale

1–2
Low

3–5
Moderate

6–7
High

8–10
Very High

11+
Extreme

Sun protection is recommended when UV reaches 3 or above. In Australian summer, UV regularly hits 10–14.

Check your city's UV forecast

Select your city for today's UV forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology.

🌏 All Cities

ARPANSA UV Index — all stations

The 5 sun protection steps

👕

Slip

on sun-protective clothing

🧴

Slop

on SPF 50+ sunscreen

🎩

Slap

on a broad-brimmed hat

🏖️

Seek

shade, especially 10am–2pm

🕶️

Slide

on wrap-around sunglasses

When to see your GP about sun damage

See your GP if you notice a new or changing mole, a spot that looks different from others, a sore that doesn't heal, or any skin lesion that is asymmetric, has irregular borders, is multi-coloured, is larger than 6mm, or is evolving in size, shape, or colour.

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Regular skin checks are recommended — especially if you have fair skin, a history of sunburn, many moles, or a family history of melanoma.