Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Snells Beach, New Zealand, where the temperate Cfb climate can contribute to varying levels of sun exposure throughout the day. With UV levels peaking at 5 during midday, being aware of these fluctuations can help prevent sunburn and protect skin health. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about outdoor activities, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience under the New Zealand sun. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or enjoying a stroll, understanding UV exposure is essential to safeguarding your skin and overall well-being in this beautiful coastal area.
The UV Index throughout the day follows a distinct pattern, with the intensity peaking at 12:00 PM when it reaches a noteworthy level of 5. Morning hours start off mild, with values of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, gradually escalating to 2 by 09:00, then climbing to 4 at 11:00. Post-noon, the index slightly decreases, falling to 4 again at 13:00, before tapering off to 2 by 15:00. As the day winds down, the levels drop significantly, plunging to 0 by 19:00. This highlights the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when UV radiation is at its strongest.
| 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 | 5 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal changes, with high-risk months occurring predominantly in the winter and early spring. January and February show extreme UV levels (Index 14), with a burn time of just 10 minutes. As we transition to March, the UV Index drops slightly to 10 (very high), necessitating a burn time of 15 minutes. The spring months of April and September have high Index levels (7), offering moderate burn times of 25 minutes. In contrast, the summer months June and July see a reduction in UV risk, with moderate Index levels (3), allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes. Notably, as winter approaches, November and December return to extreme levels (12 and 13, respectively) with short burn times of 10 minutes. For both visitors and residents, it is crucial to stay aware of these UV Index variations and take appropriate sun safety precautions, particularly during the extreme months, to minimize the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
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 |
| 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 |
| Snells Beach | 14 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 13 |