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.

Nsw UV Index — Live Readings & Forecast

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

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Live UV index across New South Wales

Compare current UV in Sydney and regional NSW. Peak season: November to February. Tap any card for the full 7-day forecast and SunSmart advice.

Full NSW weather forecast

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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 — Sydney

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

New South Wales records some of Australia's highest UV exposure outside the tropics, with Sydney, Newcastle and the Central Coast regularly reaching UV 11+ between November and February. Coastal sea breezes can mask the burn risk, so the UV index is the most reliable guide to when sun protection is required. The state's mix of beaches, ski fields and inland plains means UV varies significantly by elevation and latitude — alpine UV in the Snowy Mountains can be 20% higher than at sea level thanks to thinner atmosphere and snow reflection, while northern NSW shares Queensland's near-tropical year-round risk profile.

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 New South Wales

Cancer Council NSW 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, cloudy days still carry sunburn risk in New South Wales.

National UV index hub →7-day Australian UV forecast →NSW weather hub →Heatwave forecasts & warnings →

UV Index NSW — FAQs

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