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.

Tas UV Index — Live Readings & Forecast

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

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Live UV index across Tasmania

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

Full Tasmania weather forecast

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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.

Tasmania sits at the highest latitude of any Australian state, but its UV risk is anything but mild. Hobart and Launceston record UV 9–11 on summer days, and Tasmania's clean air and proximity to the Antarctic ozone hole mean ultraviolet radiation reaches the surface with less atmospheric filtering than mainland cities. The Cancer Council Tasmania notes that the island's cool summer temperatures often mask the burn risk — beachgoers and bushwalkers can receive an extreme UV dose without feeling hot. Alpine areas like Cradle Mountain see additional UV amplification from snow reflection. Sun protection is recommended any time the UV index reads 3 or higher.

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 Tasmania

Cancer Council Tasmania 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 Tasmania.

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

UV Index Tasmania — FAQs

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