UV index for Cairns peaks at UV 13 at 12:00 local time. Data as of (Australia/Brisbane). Values update hourly — see this page for the current reading and hourly forecast.

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UV Index in Cairns

Live UV index for Cairns, Australia — current level, hourly UV forecast, peak times, WHO sun protection advice and a 5-day outlook. Now: UV 0 (Low). Peak today: UV 13 at 12:00.

Now · 23:00 · Cairns
0
Low
0–2Low3–5Moderate6–7High8–10Very High11+Extreme

Sun protection needed today: 09:00–16:00

Protection guidelines:

Max tomorrow · 12:00 — UV 13 · Extreme · Clear sky: 13 at 12:00

  • Avoid being outside during midday hours
  • Make sure you seek shade
  • Shirt, broad-spectrum sunscreen and hat are a must
Values are forecasts from the European CAMS model (Copernicus), not measurements from a sensor in Cairns. WHO · Methodology
Today's UV overview · Thu, Oct 8
2
8Partly cloudy23°76%1
5
9Partly cloudy25°70%2
9
10Partly cloudy27°66%2
11
11Overcast28°59%2
13
12Partly cloudy29°57%3
11
13Partly cloudy30°52%3
8
14Partly cloudy30°48%3
5
15Mainly clear29°48%3
2
16Mainly clear28°51%2
1
17Mainly clear27°57%2
% HumidityWind m/s
Max today
13at 12:00
Max tomorrow
13at 12:00
Daylight today
12h 22m05:53–18:15
Solar noon
12:04

Sun & moon in Cairns

Sun height-64°
Sun directionSW 209°
Sky stateNight
-90°-60°-30°0°30°60°90°00:0006:0012:0018:0024:00Now -64°

The curve traces the sun's height above the horizon through the day: 0° is the horizon, 90° is straight overhead. The higher the sun climbs, the shorter the path its rays take through the atmosphere — and the stronger the UV. The part below 0° is night.

Sunrise / sunset directionE 96° / W 264°
Civil twilight05:32–05:54 / 18:15–18:37
Nautical twilight05:07–05:32 / 18:37–19:02
Astronomical twilight04:41–05:07 / 19:02–19:28
Moon phaseWaning crescent · 5%
Moonrise / moonset04:00 / 16:07
Next moon quarterNew moon · Oct 11, 01:50

Detailed hourly UV index — Today, Oct 8

Peak UV 12.5 at 12:00 · Cairns · Local time (GMT+10)

The solid line is the hourly UV forecast: the UV index expected each hour, with cloud cover taken into account. The dashed line is the clear-sky UV, the level it would reach under a cloudless sky. The gap between the two lines shows how much the clouds are lowering the UV.

04812Max: 136:0020°9:0025°12:0029°15:0029°18:0025°21:0022°
ForecastClear sky

Detailed hourly UV index — Tomorrow, Oct 9

Peak UV 12.8 at 12:00 · Cairns · Local time (GMT+10)

04812Max: 136:0020°9:0026°12:0029°15:0029°18:0025°21:0022°
ForecastClear sky
Hour-by-hour UV index for today & tomorrow

Detailed hour-by-hour UV index forecast for Cairns — today and tomorrow. Includes UV level, clear-sky UV, weather conditions, and temperature for each hour.

Today — Oct 8

HourUVClear skyWeather
05:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast20°
06:000.0 – Low0.1Overcast20°
07:000.4 – Low0.7Partly cloudy21°
08:001.9 – Low2.5Partly cloudy23°
09:004.8 – Moderate5.6Partly cloudy25°
10:008.5 – Very High9.2Partly cloudy27°
11:0011.2 – Extreme11.9Overcast28°
12:0012.5 – Extreme13.0Partly cloudy29°
13:0011.5 – Extreme11.8Partly cloudy30°
14:008.4 – Very High9.0Partly cloudy30°
15:005.2 – Moderate5.4Mainly clear29°
16:002.3 – Low2.4Mainly clear28°
17:000.6 – Low0.6Mainly clear27°
18:000.0 – Low0.0Partly cloudy25°
19:000.0 – Low0.0Partly cloudy23°
20:000.0 – Low0.0Partly cloudy22°
21:000.0 – Low0.0Partly cloudy22°

Tomorrow — Oct 9

HourUVClear skyWeather
05:000.0 – Low0.0Partly cloudy20°
06:000.0 – Low0.1Partly cloudy20°
07:000.4 – Low0.7Partly cloudy21°
08:001.9 – Low2.6Partly cloudy24°
09:004.4 – Moderate5.8Partly cloudy26°
10:008.4 – Very High9.4Partly cloudy28°
11:0011.6 – Extreme12.2Mainly clear29°
12:0012.8 – Extreme13.2Mainly clear29°
13:0011.5 – Extreme12.1Partly cloudy29°
14:008.2 – Very High9.1Mainly clear29°
15:004.8 – Moderate5.5Clear sky29°
16:002.2 – Low2.4Clear sky28°
17:000.5 – Low0.6Mainly clear27°
18:000.0 – Low0.0Mainly clear25°
19:000.0 – Low0.0Mainly clear23°
20:000.0 – Low0.0Mainly clear22°
21:000.0 – Low0.0Partly cloudy22°

5-Day UV Forecast for Cairns

The 5-day UV index forecast shows each day's peak UV and the time it's reached, plus daily high and low temperatures and an hourly UV curve, so you can plan sun protection for the days ahead.

Today, Oct 8Peak UV 13 at 12:00Sun protection: 09:00–16:0030° / 19°
6Overcast20°9Partly cloudy25°12Partly cloudy29°15Mainly clear29°18Partly cloudy25°
Friday, Oct 9Peak UV 13 at 12:00Sun protection: 09:00–16:0029° / 20°
6Partly cloudy20°9Partly cloudy26°12Mainly clear29°15Clear sky29°18Mainly clear25°
Saturday, Oct 10Peak UV 12 at 12:00Sun protection: 09:00–16:0030° / 20°
6Overcast20°9Overcast26°12Partly cloudy30°15Clear sky30°18Mainly clear26°
Sunday, Oct 11Peak UV 12 at 12:00Sun protection: 09:00–16:0030° / 20°
6Partly cloudy20°9Partly cloudy27°12Mainly clear30°15Clear sky30°18Mainly clear26°
Monday, Oct 12Peak UV 11 at 12:00Sun protection: 09:00–16:0030° / 22°
6Partly cloudy23°9Partly cloudy27°12Partly cloudy30°15Partly cloudy30°18Partly cloudy26°

Peak midday UV by month in Cairns

It's October: on clear days, the midday sun here usually peaks around UV 12–14. That's very intense: around midday you need shade, covering clothes and sunscreen.

The sun is strong here all year round: even in the mildest months, midday UV reaches about 8, so protection is needed in every season. Treat these numbers as the most sun you should expect around noon: clouds typically lower the real value, while reflections from snow, sand or water can add to the UV your skin actually receives. Today's actual UV is in the forecast above.

36811141714–17Jan14–17Feb12–16Mar9–13Apr7–10May6–8Jun6–9Jul8–11Aug10–13Sep12–14Oct13–15Nov13–16Dec

Each bar shows the range the midday UV index moves through on clear days in that month, from the gentlest days up to what the strongest days typically reach, based on 17 years of satellite data (2004–2020). The small light line inside a bar is an ordinary day's midday level.

Based on TEMIS data. Copyright © KNMI/ESA — https://www.temis.nl/

In October the strong sun is in the southern hemisphere: UV reaches high levels across most of it, while the northern hemisphere outside the tropics has its mild season.

See the world map for October →

The UV year at a glance

Strongest sunJan–Feb · up to 17
Weakest sunJun · up to 8
Protection needed (UV 3+)all year
Extra protection (UV 8+)all year

Months when the midday sun gets strong enough to need protection. Based on clear days; clouds typically lower UV.

See also: Cairns temperature and rainfall by month →

UV in Cairns: today, tomorrow and through the year

After a daytime high of 13 (extreme) near 12:00, UV in Cairns has dropped away for the day. Skies stayed clear today, letting the sun through at close to full strength.Tomorrow looks much the same, with the peak near UV 13 (extreme) around 12:00 and protection needed from 09:00 to 16:00.Few months in Cairns are stronger than October. Its strongest days reach about UV 14, while the quietest months of the year still hold around UV 8.

About Cairns

Cairns is a city on the tropical north-east coast of Queensland, on the Coral Sea, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, with a population of around 169,000. At 17° south clear-day readings peak at 17 in January and February and never drop below 8, even at the June low. The index sits at 11 or above from August through to April, so the strongest sun belongs to the wetter half of the year: cloud cuts the daily dose, but the sun behind it is as fierce as ever.

Sources:Wikipedia: CairnsRadiation: The ultraviolet (UV) indexUltraviolet radiation monitoringTEMIS UV index climatology, 2004–2020 (satellite-derived clear-sky)

Location, daylight and sky in Cairns

Key facts

CountryAustralia, Queensland
TimezoneAustralia/Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates16.92° S, 145.77° E
Elevation7 m
Population≈ 153K
Air pressurebarometer.today

Sun & Daylight Hours in Cairns

Sunrise / sunset05:53 / 18:15
Daylight today12h 22m
Daylight tomorrow12h 22m (±0 min)
Solar noon (sun highest)12:04
Golden hour17:46–18:28
Low UV hours (UV < 3)05:00–09:00
16:00–18:00
High UV window (UV ≥ 3)09:00–16:00

Seasonal daylight range at this latitude

Longest day13h 08m (Dec 21)
Shortest day11h 07m (Jun 21)

Similar daylight hours as Brasília, Brazil — on the same parallel

UV index map for Cairns and nearby cities

This map shows the current UV forecast for Cairns and the area around it. One forecast value covers a region of roughly 40 km, so it is a good guide for the area as a whole rather than an exact reading for one spot. In places with big height differences, or where the ground is covered by snow, the real UV can differ from what the map shows.

Check UV in: Darwin · Gold Coast · Sydney · Central Coast · Townsville

Air quality concerns? Check air quality in Cairns on AirIndex.Today

What is the UV index in Cairns right now?

As of 23:00 local time, the UV index in Cairns is 0 (Low). UV changes hour by hour. See the hourly chart above for how it rises and falls today.

What is the UV index in Cairns today?

On 2026-10-08, the peak UV index forecast for Cairns is 13, expected around 12:00 local time. Check back daily: UV levels change with cloud cover, ozone, and sun angle.

What is the UV index in Cairns tomorrow?

On 2026-10-09, the UV index in Cairns is forecast to peak at 13 around 12:00 local time. Plan outdoor activities and sun protection around that peak.

What are typical maximum UV levels in Cairns by month?

Peak midday UV index in Cairns, month by month
MonthPeak midday UV
January14–17
February14–17
March12–16
April9–13
May7–10
June6–8
July6–9
August8–11
September10–13
October12–14
November13–15
December13–16
The weakest sun is in June, when midday UV stays around 6–8. From there it climbs: July (6–9), August (8–11), September (10–13), October (12–14), November (13–15), and December (13–16). The strongest sun is in January and February, reaching 14–17 on clear days. It eases back through March (12–16), April (9–13), and May (7–10).Clear-sky range, 17 years of satellite data (2004–2020). On cloudy days values are typically lower.

How strong is UV in Cairns in October?

In a typical October, the midday UV index in Cairns reaches 12–14 on clear days, based on 17 years of satellite data (2004–2020). Cloudy days typically run lower. Check the live forecast for today's value.

Which months have the highest UV in Cairns?

UV in Cairns is highest in January–February, when the midday index reaches up to 17 on clear days. The weakest sun is in June, around 6–8 at midday.

When do you need sun protection in Cairns?

All year round: midday UV in Cairns reaches 3 or higher (the WHO protection level) in every month. In every month it can reach UV 8 or more. The WHO then advises extra protection: avoid the midday sun and cover up.

Forecast · UV Index

Now
UV 0 (Low)
Max today
UV 12.5 · 12:00
Max tomorrow
UV 12.8 · 12:00
Clear sky
UV 13
Sunrise / Sunset
05:53 / 18:15
High UV window (UV ≥ 3)
09:00–16:00
5-Day UV Forecast
Thu 12.5 · Fri 12.8 · Sat 12.2 · Sun 11.9 · Mon 10.9

UV guides

Read all guides →
About the UV Index

What is the UV index?

The UV index (UVI) is an international standard measure of the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun at a particular place and time. It ranges from 0 (nighttime) to 11+ (extreme). Higher values mean greater risk of sunburn, skin damage, and eye injury. The UV index was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to help people protect themselves from harmful UV radiation.

How do I check the UV index today?

This page shows the live UV index for your location using data from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS). You get the current UV level, an hourly UV forecast chart for today and tomorrow, and the exact peak UV time — so you always know when sun protection is most important.

When is UV radiation strongest?

UV radiation is typically strongest between 10:00 and 16:00, when the sun is highest in the sky. However, the exact peak time and intensity depend on your latitude, the season, altitude, cloud cover, and ozone levels. Check the UV forecast chart above to see today's exact peak time for your location.

How can I protect myself from UV radiation?

Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, seek shade during peak UV hours, and wear UV-blocking sunglasses. The WHO recommends sun protection when the UV index is 3 or above.

Where does the UV data come from?

The hourly UV index on this site comes from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), operated by ECMWF on behalf of the European Union. CAMS calculates the UV biologically effective dose using total column ozone, aerosol optical depth, and cloud cover. The global forecast has a spatial resolution of approximately 40 km and provides hourly UV index values for up to 5 days ahead.

What does "clear-sky UV index" mean?

The clear-sky UV index shows how strong ultraviolet radiation would be if there were no clouds at all. It is calculated using the same atmospheric data — ozone column thickness, aerosol concentrations, and solar angle — but assumes completely cloudless conditions. Comparing the actual UV index with the clear-sky value shows how much clouds are reducing UV exposure at any given time. On overcast days, actual UV can be significantly lower than the clear-sky value.

How often is the UV forecast updated?

The CAMS global UV forecast is updated twice daily, based on model runs initialized at 00:00 and 12:00 UTC. Weather data such as temperature, cloud cover, and sunrise/sunset times is updated every 1–6 hours depending on the region, using weather models from national meteorological services via Open-Meteo. The first 1–2 days of the forecast are typically the most accurate.

What does the WHO recommend for each UV level?

Low (0–2) — No protection needed. You can safely enjoy being outside
Moderate (3–5) — Seek shade during midday hours. Wear a shirt, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and put on a hat. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses
High (6–7) — Seek shade during midday hours. Wear a shirt, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and put on a hat. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses
Very High (8–10) — Avoid being outside during midday hours. Make sure you seek shade. Shirt, broad-spectrum sunscreen and hat are a must
Extreme (11+) — Avoid being outside during midday hours. Make sure you seek shade. Shirt, broad-spectrum sunscreen and hat are a must

Source: WHO Global Solar UV Index, 2002

uvi·today

Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. UV index data and sun protection guidance are approximate and should not replace professional advice. UV index data is not applicable to infants under 12 months. The WHO recommends keeping them out of direct sunlight at all times. WHO. UV forecasts are based on satellite and atmospheric models. Actual UV levels may vary due to local cloud cover, surface reflection, altitude, and other environmental factors. When in doubt, consult a healthcare provider for personalized sun protection advice. UV and weather data is sourced from third-party APIs (Open-Meteo/CAMS). We do not guarantee accuracy or availability. Data may be delayed or temporarily unavailable.

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UV & weather data: Open-Meteo (CAMS/Copernicus) · Protection guidelines: WHO Global Solar UV Index, 2002 · Location data: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0) · IP2Location LITE · Yr / NRK (CC BY 4.0) · Twemoji (CC BY 4.0)

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