UV Index in Cairns

Real-time UV forecast & tanning weather

Current Conditions

Loading live weather data...
3
Moderate
UV Index
🌡️
24°C
Temperature
🌤️
Mainly clear
Conditions
☀️
Peak Tanning Window 1PM • UV 6

Hourly UV Forecast

☀️ Excellent tanning conditions • 10AM–4PM • 25°C • 7 km/h 🌬️
0
6AM
0
7AM
1
8AM
2
9AM
4
10AM
5
11AM
6
12PM
6
1PM
6
2PM
5
3PM
3
NOW
1
5PM
0
6PM
0
7PM
0
8PM
0
9PM
Low 0–2 Moderate 3–5 High 6–7 Very High 8–10 Extreme 11+

16-Day UV Forecast

6
Mon 1
Excellent
6
Tue 2
Excellent
6
Wed 3
Excellent
6
Thu 4
Excellent
6
Fri 5
Excellent
6
Sat 6
Excellent
6
Sun 7
Excellent
6
Mon 8
Excellent
5
Tue 9
Excellent
6
Wed 10
Excellent
6
Thu 11
Excellent
6
Fri 12
Excellent
6
Sat 13
Excellent
6
Sun 14
Excellent
6
Mon 15
Excellent
6
Tue 16
Excellent

Location & Climate

Cairns boasts a tropical climate with very high UV levels, peaking at 12, and consistent warmth ideal for tanning throughout the year. The humidity is often high, making sun protection essential. Explore the beaches near the city, but always be aware of the intense midday sun and seek out shaded areas or plan your sessions for dawn or dusk.

Tanning Tips

UV levels in Cairns are high year-round due to its tropical location. Always wear SPF 30+ and limit initial sessions to 15-20 minutes.

Weather data by Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)

Monthly UV Index in Cairns

Average daily maximum UV index by month

Jan
12
Feb
12
Mar
11
Apr
11
May
10
Jun
10
Jul
10
Aug
10
Sep
10
Oct
11
Nov
11
Dec
12
Low Moderate High Very High Extreme

Best Months to Tan in Cairns

Based on average UV levels, the best months for tanning in Cairns are:

January Excellent February Excellent March Excellent April Excellent May Excellent June Excellent July Excellent August Excellent September Excellent October Excellent November Excellent December Excellent

Rating based on average monthly UV index

Related Guides

Tanning in UV 9-10+ → Aggressive Tanning — What to Know → Safe Tanning Tips → Foods That Help You Tan → How to Get Rid of a Tan →

Tanning Tools & Calculators

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Tanning Time Calculator

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Skin Type Quiz

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Tanning Routine Creator

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UV index in Cairns right now?
The current UV index in Cairns is shown in the live weather section above. UV levels change throughout the day, typically peaking between 11 AM and 2 PM local time.
What is the best month to tan in Cairns?
The best months for tanning in Cairns are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, when average UV levels reach 7 or higher.
How long should I tan in Cairns?
Tanning time depends on your skin type and the current UV index. For a moderate UV of 11, a person with Skin Type III (medium complexion) can safely tan for about 14 minutes per session. Use our Tanning Calculator for personalized recommendations.
Is it safe to tan in UV index 12?
UV index 12 is classified as Extreme. Extreme — stay in shade during peak hours. Tanning is not recommended without strong protection.
When is the peak UV time in Cairns?
UV levels in Cairns typically peak between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM local time. The exact peak depends on the season, cloud cover, and altitude.

UV Index in Nearby Cities

12
Palm Cove
Avg. Peak UV
› 12
Port Douglas
Avg. Peak UV
› 12
Mission Beach
Avg. Peak UV
› 12
Magnetic Island
Avg. Peak UV
› 12
Townsville
Avg. Peak UV
› 11
Airlie Beach
Avg. Peak UV
›

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