Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Fairlie, New Zealand, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and health. The UV Index provides vital information about the sun’s intensity, helping residents and visitors alike to take preventive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a Cfb climate characterized by variable weather patterns, Fairlie can present unexpected UV exposure risks, particularly during summer months when levels can peak at 3 around midday. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting your skin for years to come.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a gradual increase in sun intensity, peaking mid-afternoon. Starting at 0 at 07:00, the index rises to 1 by 08:00 and remains moderate at 1 for the following hour. As the sun ascends, the intensity reaches 2 by 10:00, climbing further to 3 at 11:00, sustaining this level until 14:00. After this peak, a gentle decline begins, with the index dropping to 2 at 15:00, and gradually easing back to 1 by 17:00, before retreating to 0 by 18:00. For anyone spending time outdoors, the late morning to early afternoon presents the highest UV exposure; thus, caution and sun protection are highly advisable during these 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 3 | 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 variation, with the highest values occurring in the winter months of January (13) and February (12), both classified as extreme, requiring minimal exposure times of just 10 minutes to avoid skin damage. As spring approaches, the UV Index decreases slightly in March (9) and further drops to 6 in April, but remains high enough to warrant caution. May sees a moderate UV Index of 3, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes. The UV Index then lowers to 2 during the summer months of June and July, categorized as low, making it relatively safer for outdoor activities. However, moderate levels return in August (4) and September (5), emphasizing the need for sun protection. Autumn brings back higher risks in October (9) and November (11), classified back into the very high and extreme categories with short burn times of 15 and 10 minutes, respectively. Finally, December mirrors January and February with an extreme UV Index of 12. It is crucial for visitors and residents to remain vigilant and protect their skin during the high-risk months of January, February, October, and November, and to implement sun safety measures throughout the year, especially in the transition months of March and April.
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 |
| Fairlie | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 11 | 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 |