UV Index Melbourne

The UV index in Melbourne climbs to extreme (11+) on clear days from late November through to February, despite the city's reputation for cool, changeable weather. At 37.8°S Melbourne sits further from the equator than other mainland capitals, but Victoria's clearer summer atmosphere and long daylight hours still deliver dangerous UV doses — Cancer Council Victoria records some of Australia's highest melanoma rates here. The most common Melbourne trap is mild temperatures: a 22°C southerly afternoon can still register UV 9 because air temperature and UV intensity are unrelated. ARPANSA advises sun protection whenever the index reaches 3, which in Melbourne applies from mid-September through to late April. Solar noon UV typically peaks around 1:20pm AEDT during daylight saving. The live UV index on this page updates hourly from Open-Meteo, alongside a 7-day forecast for planning outdoor work, sport and family activity.

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