UV Index in Mackay

Real-time UV forecast & tanning weather

Current Conditions

Loading live weather data...
2
Low
UV Index
🌡️
22°C
Temperature
☀️
Clear sky
Conditions
☀️
Peak Tanning Window 1PM • UV 6

Hourly UV Forecast

☀️ Excellent tanning conditions 11AM–3PM 23°C • 9 km/h 🌬️
0
6AM
0
7AM
1
8AM
2
9AM
4
10AM
5
11AM
6
12PM
6
1PM
5
2PM
4
3PM
2
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
5
Sat 6
Excellent
3
Sun 7
Poor
4
Mon 8
Fair
5
Tue 9
Excellent
5
Wed 10
Excellent
4
Thu 11
Good
5
Fri 12
Good
5
Sat 13
Excellent
5
Sun 14
Excellent
5
Mon 15
Excellent
5
Tue 16
Excellent

Location & Climate

In Mackay, UV rises from 6 in June to 11 in January, with peak tanning months being January, February, March, November, December. The strongest UV occurs during the southern hemisphere summer months.

UV levels in this region are exceptionally high due to lower ozone concentrations. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen and wear UV-protective clothing, even on partly cloudy days.

Beach and coastal destinations benefit from cooling sea breezes, but UV reflected from water and sand can increase your total exposure by up to 25%. Apply sunscreen more frequently and protect your eyes.

In this tropical location, SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential year-round. Reapply every 60-90 minutes, especially after swimming or sweating.

Tanning Tips

UV levels in Mackay 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 Mackay

Average daily maximum UV index by month

Jan
11
Feb
11
Mar
10
Apr
9
May
7
Jun
6
Jul
6
Aug
6
Sep
7
Oct
9
Nov
10
Dec
11
Low Moderate High Very High Extreme

Best Months to Tan in Mackay

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

January Excellent February Excellent March Excellent April Excellent May Great September Great October Excellent November Excellent December Excellent

Rating based on average monthly UV index

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UV index in Mackay right now?
The current UV index in Mackay 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 Mackay?
The best months for tanning in Mackay are January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, December, when average UV levels reach 7 or higher.
How long should I tan in Mackay?
Tanning time depends on your skin type and the current UV index. For a moderate UV of 9, a person with Skin Type III (medium complexion) can safely tan for about 17 minutes per session. Use our Tanning Calculator for personalized recommendations.
Is it safe to tan in UV index 11?
UV index 11 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 Mackay?
UV levels in Mackay typically peak between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM local time. The exact peak depends on the season, cloud cover, and altitude.

Get Personalized Tanning Sessions

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