National UV Map

Understanding UV radiation

The sun sends out different types of radiation – visible light that you see as sunlight, infrared radiation that you can feel as heat and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. You cannot see or feel UV!

UV levels can be high even on a cool, cloudy day so don’t rely on temperature as a guide for when to use sun protection.

For real time UV levels please visit ARPANSA.

SunSmart UV Alert

Please note that both the times and UV levels are predicted on a half hourly basis, based on cloud free skies.

The sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation is both a major cause of skin cancer and a great source of vitamin D. The SunSmart app is based on the SunSmart UV Alert and lets you know when you do and don’t need sun protection.

The sun protection times are issued daily by the Bureau of Meteorology when the UV is forecast to reach 3 or above - at this level, UV can damage your skin and eyes and increase your risk of skin cancer.

For real time UV levels please visit ARPANSA.

For UV information visit, BOM.