When is it safe to be outside without sun protection?

Most Australians need sun protection when the UV Index is 3 or above. If the UV Index is likely to be less than 3, sun protection may not be needed.

Northern states

UV radiation levels are higher so sun protection is needed all year round at certain times of the day. In these areas, it is safe to go outside without sun protection in the early morning and late afternoon when the UV Index is below 3.

Southern states

There are times of the year when sun protection may not be necessary.

People in southern states may not need sun protection from May to August when the UV Index is likely to be below 3. The only exception is at high altitudes or near highly reflective surfaces like snow.

The table below is a guide to average peak UV levels by month for Australian capital cities. Shaded areas are months of the year when UV is less than 3 and sun protection may not be needed.

Source: Table is from Gies et al ^{1, 2.} 

1. Gies P, Roy C, Javorniczky J, Henderson S, Lemus-Deschamps L, Driscoll C. Global Solar UV Index: Australian Measurements, Forecasts and Comparison with the UK. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2004; 79(1): 32-39.

2. Hobart and Canberra data is supplied from personal communication from ARPANSA

• Email this page
• Print this article