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.

Wollongong UV Index — Live Readings & Forecast

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

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Live UV index — Wollongong

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

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Compare Wollongong's UV reading with other centres in New South Wales.

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7-day UV forecast — Wollongong

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

Wollongong and the Illawarra coast see UV peaks similar to Sydney but with the added factor of the Illawarra Escarpment, which can concentrate clear-sky periods and lift afternoon UV readings. The city records UV 10–12 (extreme) on most clear summer afternoons between November and February, and the popular beaches of North Wollongong, Austinmer and Thirroul magnify exposure through sand and water reflection. Cancer Council NSW reminds residents that the cool southerly buster wind in summer can drop air temperature sharply without changing the UV dose — sunburn risk persists even when conditions feel cool. Sun protection is recommended whenever the UV index reads 3 or higher, which in Wollongong typically applies from late September through to April.

Peak UV season in Wollongong: November to February.

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 Wollongong

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 Wollongong 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 NSW →Wollongong weather hub →

UV Index Wollongong — FAQs

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