Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Arthur's Pass, New Zealand, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for anyone looking to enjoy the stunning alpine scenery while protecting their skin. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. With a temperate Cfb climate, residents and visitors alike face varying UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when the index can reach a moderate level of 3. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the outdoors safely!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a gradual rise and fall in intensity. Starting at a cool 0 at 07:00, the index slowly climbs, reaching 1 by 08:00 and staying steady until 10:00. A noticeable upswing occurs around 11:00, peaking at 3 from 12:00 to 13:00, signaling the peak sun exposure hours. As the afternoon rolls in, the index dips back to 2 between 14:00 and 15:00, before declining again to 1 by 16:00. Finally, the day winds down with a return to 0 by 18:00, ensuring a safe evening for outdoor activities. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV levels exhibit significant seasonal variations, with January, February, November, and December marked as high-risk months due to their extreme UV Index of 13, where the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. In the spring, specifically March, the UV Index declines to 9 (very high), allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. As summer approaches, UV levels decrease to moderate in May and July (UV Index 4 and 3 respectively), providing a burn time of 30 minutes, while June enjoys a low index of 2 with a burn time of 45 minutes. The trend picks up again in October and September, where the UV Index returns to high and moderate levels, respectively. To protect yourself from harmful UV exposure, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautionary measures, particularly during the high-risk months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours.
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 |
| Arthur's Pass | 13 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 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 |