Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is generated from the sun and enters our atmosphere. There are three types of UV radiation from the sun: UVA, UVB and UVC radiation.

The earth’s ozone layer reflects UVC radiation and stops it from getting to earth’s surface. Some UVB radiation and almost all UVA radiation still reaches us and can be harmful to our skin.

Even on cool or cloudy days, UV rays can reach us and harm our skin. Overexposure to UV can cause damage to skin cells and lead to skin cancer.
 

Just like checking the weather to know if to dress for the heat, cold or rain every day, the UV index lets you know when you need to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

The index ranges from 1 (low) to 11+ (extreme) and is updated throughout the day with real-time UV information from the Bureau of Meteorology. Skin damage occurs when the UV index 3 and above.

The higher the UV index, the greater the potential for damage to your skin that can lead to skin cancer.

The UV index is an important tool because UV cannot be seen or felt. In fact, you can still get burnt and damage your skin on days that are cool or cloudy. 

Get in the habit of checking the UV index every day. For personalised daily UV alerts on your phone, SunSmart Global UV app. Or use the SunSmart widget below to check the UV Index in your location.

If the UV Index is 3 or above, remember to slip, slop, slap seek and slide.  

UV radiation from the sun can cause damage to the DNA in skin cells leading to skin cancer.

Melanocytes are a type of skin cell located in the upper layer of the skin. Melanocytes produce a brown/black pigment called melanin which gives skin its colour. When melanocytes receive too much UV it can cause mutations to the cell’s DNA. If these mutations are not repaired by the body, they can lead to melanoma – the most deadly form of skin cancer.

95% of melanoma and 99% of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV by the sun. Protecting your skin from UV is the best way to prevent melanoma and other skin cancers. Slip, slop, slap, seek and slide. 

The UV index changes every day and depends on where you are and what season it is. Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) captures ozone data by satellites and forecasts the UV index for the next day by calculating ozone concentrations in the atmosphere, the time of day, the date, and your location’s latitude and altitude.

Make it a habit to look at the UV index before you go outdoors, just like checking the weather.

You can check the UV index for where you live or where you are visiting. We recommend you do a daily check. Then you know how to protect your skin for the day.

See our recommended resources for easily checking the UV index.

Because Australia is relatively close to the equator, we receive higher overall levels of UV radiation than countries such as Canada, Germany or the United Kingdom.

The amount of UV radiation our skin receives is also influenced by the sun's position in the sky. The higher the sun, the higher the levels of UV radiation.

It’s important to remember that UV cannot be seen or felt and can be high on cool or cloudy days. The reflection and dispersal of UV from clouds means that UV levels may sometimes be higher on a cloudy day. So always be prepared with sun protection.

The general rule is to protect your skin from the sun when the UV index is 3 or above. A measure of 3 means the UV level is moderate and can damage unprotected skin.

UV levels in New South Wales are high from August until May. This means you might still need sun protection on cool or cloudy days in Autumn and Spring.

In summary, the UV is 3 or above most months of the year in New South Wales. Remember to protect your skin and slip, slap, slop, seek and slide throughout the day.