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.

Launceston UV Index — Live Readings & Forecast

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

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Live UV index — Launceston

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

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

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7-day UV forecast — Launceston

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

Launceston sits at 41.4°S in Tasmania's Tamar Valley and records summer UV peaks of 9–11 — surprisingly high for the latitude. Tasmania's extremely clean southern-ocean air, proximity to the Antarctic ozone hole and long December daylight hours combine to produce a midday UV dose far stronger than the cool air temperatures suggest. Cancer Council Tasmania repeatedly highlights northern Tasmania as a UV blind spot: Launceston visitors often spend whole summer days outdoors at Cataract Gorge or the Tamar Wetlands without realising the burn risk. Solar noon UV peaks around 1:15pm AEDT under daylight saving. ARPANSA recommends sun protection whenever the UV index reads 3 or higher, which in Launceston typically applies from October through to late March. Live UV updates hourly from Open-Meteo.

Peak UV season in Launceston: December to February.

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 Launceston

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 Launceston 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 →Launceston weather hub →

UV Index Launceston — FAQs

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