How much sun should I be getting each day?

There are a number of factors that determine how much sun we need each day and this can vary from person to person. Considerations include where you live, your skin tone and individual circumstances. Recommendations may also vary from season to season. The following table may be used as a general guide to obtaining the right amount of vitamin d from sensible sun exposure.¹

Location	Time of year	Skin type	UV exposure required on most days*
Townsville	Summer	Fair skin	5‐7 minutes
		Dark skin	15‐45 minutes
	Winter	Fair skin	7 minutes
		Dark skin	20‐45 minutes
Brisbane	Summer	Fair skin	6‐7 minutes
		Dark skin	20‐45 minutes
	Winter	Fair skin	10 minutes
		Dark skin	30 minutes‐1 hour
Sydney	Summer	Fair skin	6‐8 minutes
		Dark skin	20‐50 minutes
	Winter	Fair skin	25 minutes
		Dark skin	45 minutes – 1 ½ hours
Melbourne	Summer	Fair skin	6‐8 minutes
		Dark skin	20‐50 minutes
	Winter	Fair skin	25 minutes
		Dark skin	1 ½ hours – 2 ½ hours
Hobart	Summer	Fair skin	7‐10 minutes
		Dark skin	20‐60 minutes
	Winter	Fair skin	30 minutes
		Dark skin	½ hours‐ 3 hours
Adelaide	Summer	Fair skin	5‐7 minutes
		Dark skin	15‐45 minutes
	Winter	Fair skin	20 minutes
		Dark skin	1‐2 hours
Perth	Summer	Fair skin	5‐6 minutes
		Dark skin	15‐45 minutes
	Winter	Fair skin	15 minutes
		Dark skin	45 minutes ‐ 1 ½ hours

*These times are a general guide only, based on averages, which can vary depending on the weather and individual circumstances. Arms or equivalent area of the body should be exposed mid‐morning or mid‐afternoon during summer or at midday during winter. Remember to wear sun protection when the UV index is 3 and above.

Some people may be unable to access enough sunlight each day for their vitamin D needs. In these cases, a vitamin D supplement should be considered.