What is the UV index in Newcastle right now?
The UV index in Newcastle is currently 1 — low.
At this level, sun protection is not essential in Newcastle, but UV rises quickly towards midday.
Live answer updated 6:11 pm AEDT · Data from Open-Meteo · Refreshes every 5 minutes
Australia has some of the highest ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels in the world, and the highest rates of skin cancer — about two in three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before the age of 70. That makes the UV index a daily-planning number in Newcastle, not just a curiosity.
The UV index runs from 0 upwards: 0–2 is low, 3–5 moderate, 6–7 high, 8–10 very high, and 11+ extreme. Australian health guidance recommends sun protection whenever the index is 3 or above — in most of Australia that is the majority of daylight hours from spring through autumn.
UV is not heat. It can be severe on cool, cloudy or windy days, because up to 80% of UV passes through light cloud. The index on this page comes from live Open-Meteo satellite-derived data for Newcastle and updates every few minutes, so it reflects conditions right now rather than a daily maximum.
The classic Australian advice still holds: Slip on a shirt, Slop on SPF 30+ sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade, and Slide on sunglasses — especially between 10am and 3pm, when UV peaks.
Common questions
- What is the UV index in Newcastle right now?
- The UV index in Newcastle is currently 1 — low. At this level, sun protection is not essential in Newcastle, but UV rises quickly towards midday.
- What UV index is dangerous?
- Sun protection is recommended from UV index 3 (moderate). At 8 or above (very high to extreme) unprotected skin can burn in under 15 minutes, and Australian summer days commonly reach 11+.
- Do you need sunscreen on cloudy days in Newcastle?
- Yes. Up to 80% of UV radiation passes through light cloud, so the UV index in Newcastle can be high even when it looks overcast or feels cool. Check the live index rather than judging by sunshine.