The UV index in Australia

Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world — and UV isn’t heat. Cool, cloudy days can still burn.

What the numbers mean

• Low0–2
• Moderate3–5
• High6–7
• Very high8–10
• Extreme11+

Australian guidance is simple: when the UV index is 3 or above, sun protection is recommended — slip, slop, slap, seek, slide. Home Heads Up sends one heads-up on mornings when the UV is forecast to reach your threshold (3 by default), and stays quiet otherwise.

Live station observations

ARPANSA operates realtime UV detectors around the country. Pick your state:

• ACT — Canberra
• NSW — Newcastle, Sydney
• NT — Alice Springs, Darwin
• QLD — Brisbane, Emerald, Gold Coast, Townsville
• SA — Adelaide
• TAS — Kingston
• VIC — Melbourne
• WA — Perth

Station readings, not your backyard

An observation is a measurement at the station itself. If you’re 100 km inland from the nearest station, your actual UV can differ — the app makes that distinction clear and combines observations with location-specific forecasts.

Want the heads-up automatically? The Home Heads Up app watches the forecast for your address and nudges you only on days that matter. How the UV reminder works