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.

Vic UV Index — Live Readings & Forecast

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

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Live UV index across Victoria

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

Full Victoria 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 — Melbourne

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

Victorians often underestimate UV because of the state's cooler weather, but Melbourne records UV 10–12 on clear summer days — high enough to burn unprotected skin in under 15 minutes. The Bureau of Meteorology and ARPANSA note that UV peaks in early afternoon in Melbourne under daylight saving (around 1pm AEDT). Geelong, Ballarat and the alpine regions experience similar peaks; alpine UV is elevated by altitude and snow reflection, making Falls Creek and Mt Hotham high-risk for late-season skiers. Sun protection is recommended whenever the daily UV index reaches 3, which in Victoria typically applies from mid-September through to April.

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 Victoria

Cancer Council Victoria 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 Victoria.

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

UV Index Victoria — FAQs

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