Australia has the highest UV index in the world…here’s why

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As a country with some of the world’s highest UV levels, it’s possible to burn in as little as 11 minutes in the Australian sun.

Aussies aren’t lying when they say the sun here is harsher! Here’s all you need to know about the UV index in Australia, and how to travel safely when the UV is higher.

So why does Australia have the highest UV index?

  • Bigger land mass and less population mean the atmosphere is thinner, allowing more UV to penetrate
  • Closer to the thinning ozone ‘hole’ in Antarctica
  • Lack of greenery and forests (which normally thicken the ozone)
  • Australia runs directly along the equator line, which means it’s in contact with more direct sunlight

 

sun australia desert

Bigger land mass, thinner atmosphere

Because the land mass is so large compared to the population of the country, the atmosphere is less polluted. The skies are clearer and freer of cloud and dust, which contributes to a thinner ozone layer. This clearer air and thinner atmosphere allow more UV to pass through.

Close to the ‘hole’ or ‘ozone thinning’ in Antarctica

Despite the myths, the ‘hole’ is actually an atmospheric thinning above Antarctica, and it gets thinner in the spring, during September/October. This thinning ‘hole’ is above Antarctica. Being close to Antarctica, Australia can receive some small pockets of this thinner ozone.

sunset austrlia

Less UV-deflecting forestry

Compared to the Northern Hemisphere, there is much less forestry in Australia. Parts of the world that are thick with greenery will deflect UV. That’s because forest land releases chemicals which react with the ozone layer, and will thicken the ozone layer, making it harder for UV to penetrate through. This lack of forestry in Australia means there is a thinner layer for the light to penetrate through.

Managing the higher UV conditions in Australia

How to stay UV safe when you travel through Australia

Ultimately, Australia’s UV is 10% higher than the Northern Hemisphere. Aussies aren’t exaggerating when they say the sun here is stronger!

There are several ways you can stay safe under the Australian sun:

  • Purchase SPF that is TGA tested (this means it’s been tested against the Australian UV index, so it is higher performing).
  • Cover your skin with light, cool clothes, a hat and sunglasses.
  • Try and stay under the shade
  • Protect your skin even when it’s windy

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Cameron Ward
Cameron Ward
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward began with a passion for travel and turned it into a thriving tourism business. He co-founded Sightseeing Tours Australia after starting out as a tour guide in Melbourne. Cameron delights in helping visitors get the most from their trip to Australia. Whether he's leading tours or writing about his favourite places, Cameron loves sharing his local insight with fellow travellers.

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