Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Geraldine, New Zealand, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. With the region's Cfb climate, residents and visitors alike must be aware of the daily UV levels to prevent sunburn and maintain long-term skin health. Even at moderate UV levels, like those peaking around noon at 2, exposure can still pose risks, particularly during the warmer months. Stay informed and safeguard your skin by learning about the local UV Index, ensuring enjoyable outdoor activities without compromising your health.
At 07:00 AM, the UV Index starts at a low 0, indicating safe conditions to be outdoors. As the morning progresses, from 08:00 to 10:00, it remains steady at 1, suggesting minimal risk for sun exposure. The index reaches 2 at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, signaling a moderate level of UV radiation that warrants some sun protection, particularly during peak hours. However, as the afternoon transitions into evening, the UV Index dips back down to 1 by 02:00 PM and falls to 0 by 05:00 PM, offering a reprieve as the sun sets. Overall, it's a day of relatively low UV exposure, with only brief periods requiring caution under the sun.
| 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 12:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 13:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 14:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 15:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring during the winter months of January (13) and February (12), categorized as extreme with a rapid burn time of 10 minutes. The transition to spring sees a decrease, with March at 9 (very high) and April dropping to 6 (high). May marks a notable reduction to 3 (moderate) as temperatures warm up, continuing through the summer months of June and July where the index remains low at 2. As autumn approaches, the index rises again with October and November at 9 and 10 (very high), respectively, having burn times of just 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise increased caution during the high-risk months of January, February, October, and November, ensuring proper sun protection measures such as sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing to minimize 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 |
| Geraldine | 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 |