What is the UV index?

The UV index measures the strength of the sun's ultraviolet radiation at the Earth's surface on a scale from 0 (no risk) to 11+ (extreme). In Australia, UV regularly reaches 11+ in summer — among the highest in the world.

When is UV highest in Australia?

UV is strongest between 10am and 3pm AEST/AEDT, typically peaking around solar noon. Levels are highest in summer (December–February) and across northern Australia year-round.

Can you get sunburnt when the UV index is below 3?

Skin damage from UV is unlikely when the index is below 3, so sun protection generally isn't required. However, people with very fair skin or those on photosensitising medication should still take care.

What UV level requires sun protection?

Cancer Council Australia and ARPANSA recommend sun protection (SPF 50+ sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, protective clothing, shade) whenever the UV index reaches 3 or higher.

How accurate is the UV index forecast?

Forecasts use validated solar radiation models (Open-Meteo, ARPANSA, ECMWF) and are accurate to within ±1 UV unit under clear skies. Heavy cloud, smoke or haze can lower actual UV by 20–80%.

Does cloud cover block UV radiation?

No — up to 80% of UV passes through light cloud cover. You can still get sunburnt on overcast days, especially when the forecast UV is 6 or higher.

Hobart UV Index — Live Readings & Forecast

Name: UV index observations and forecast — Hobart
Creator: Open-Meteo
License: https://open-meteo.com/en/license

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Live UV index — Hobart

Current UV reading and outlook for the next 12 hours. Data refreshes hourly from Open-Meteo.

Nearby UV pages

Compare Hobart's UV reading with other centres in Tasmania.

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Visit our local weather forecast page, search for your town or suburb, and UV information will be shown alongside the weather for that location.

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7-day UV forecast — Hobart

Daily peak UV index for the next week. Sun protection is required whenever UV reaches 3 or above.

The UV index in Hobart still reaches very high (8–10) and occasionally extreme (11) on clear summer days, despite the city's southerly 42.9°S latitude. Tasmania's proximity to the Antarctic ozone hole, extremely clear southern-ocean air and long December daylight hours combine to produce surprisingly intense midday UV from November through to February — Cancer Council Tasmania repeatedly highlights that Tasmanians underestimate the burn risk because air temperatures stay cool. A 19°C breezy afternoon in Hobart can still register UV 10. Solar noon UV peaks around 1:15pm AEDT during daylight saving. ARPANSA advises sun protection whenever the UV index reaches 3, which in Hobart applies from October through to late March. This page shows live UV updated hourly from Open-Meteo for the greater Hobart area, along with a 7-day forecast for planning bushwalks, sailing and outdoor work.

Peak UV season in Hobart: November to February, peaking December–January.

UV Index Scale & Sun Protection

Low (0–2)
No protection required
Moderate (3–5)
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
High (6–7)
Protection essential, seek shade midday
Very High (8–10)
Extra protection, avoid sun 10am–4pm
Extreme (11+)
Stay indoors when possible

Scale follows the WHO/ARPANSA Global Solar UV Index. Source: ARPANSA & Cancer Council Australia.

Sun protection in Hobart

Cancer Council and ARPANSA recommend the SunSmart five whenever the UV index reaches 3: slip on protective clothing, slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen, slap on a broad-brimmed hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses. UV is invisible and unrelated to temperature — cool, overcast days in Hobart can still deliver a sunburn dose because up to 80% of UV penetrates light cloud.

National UV index hub →7-day Australian UV forecast →UV index Tasmania →Hobart weather hub →

UV Index Hobart — FAQs

UV data: Open-Meteo. Reference guidance: ARPANSA, Cancer Council Australia, Bureau of Meteorology.