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.

Toowoomba UV Index — Live Readings & Forecast

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

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Live UV index — Toowoomba

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

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Compare Toowoomba's UV reading with other centres in Queensland.

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7-day UV forecast — Toowoomba

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

Toowoomba sits on the Darling Downs at around 700m elevation, and that altitude adds a measurable boost to its already high subtropical UV. The Garden City records UV 11–13 (extreme) on most clear summer afternoons between October and March, with thinner overhead atmosphere allowing more UV-B to reach the surface than coastal Brisbane. Picnic Point, Queens Park and the surrounding ranges draw outdoor visitors year-round. Cancer Council Queensland reminds residents that Toowoomba's cooler upland temperatures often mask UV intensity — sunburn risk remains high even on mild-feeling days. Sun protection (SPF 50+, hat, UPF clothing, sunglasses, shade) is recommended whenever the UV index reads 3 or higher, which on the Downs typically applies from September through to April.

Peak UV season in Toowoomba: October to March.

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 Toowoomba

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 Toowoomba 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 Queensland →Toowoomba weather hub →

UV Index Toowoomba — FAQs

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