Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Kumeu, New Zealand, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps you make informed decisions about sun protection, especially during the peak hours of 11 AM to 3 PM, when the index can reach a level of 4—indicating moderate risk. Kumeu's temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild summers and cooler winters, still poses UV exposure risks, making it vital for residents and visitors alike to monitor the UV Index daily. By paying attention to these levels, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while minimizing the risk of harmful effects from the sun.
The UV Index for the day reveals a gradual increase in solar intensity as the sun climbs higher. Starting from a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index nudges to 2 by 09:00 and peaks at 4 between 11:00 and 13:00, indicating a notable amount of UV exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the value slightly tapers off to 3 at 14:00 and dwindles down to 2 by 15:00. The evening brings a steep decline, with the index dropping to 1 at 16:00 and then to 0 after 18:00. Stay protected during the midday hours when the UV Index is at its highest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with the highest risk months being January, February, November, and December, where the index reaches extreme levels of 14 and burn times are as short as 10 minutes. As the year progresses, the risk decreases to high in March (10) and April (7), and then tapers off to moderate levels in the summer months (June to August) with values ranging from 3 to 5. The cycle then shifts back to high in September and returns to very high in October (10). Residents and visitors are advised to take necessary precautions during the extreme and very high months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially if spending extended periods outdoors.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christchurch UVI | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
| Wellington UVI | 13 | 13 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 13 |
| Hamilton UVI | 14 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 |
| Kumeu | 14 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 |
| Manukau City UVI | 14 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 |
| Auckland UVI | 14 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 |