Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Hanmer Springs, New Zealand, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With its unique Cfb climate, the region experiences varying UV levels throughout the day, especially peaking around midday when values reach 3—a time when sunburn risk increases. Being aware of these UV levels helps you take preventive measures against harmful effects like sunburn and long-term skin damage, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of Hanmer Springs while safeguarding your health. Whether you're hiking, relaxing, or soaking in the hot springs, keep an eye on the UV Index to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience outdoors.
At 07:00, the UV Index starts off at a comfortable 0, indicating safe outdoor conditions. As the sun rises, it gently climbs to 1 by 08:00 and remains steady until 09:00. By 10:00, a slight increase to 2 suggests it’s time to put on some sunscreen, especially as it peaks at 3 between 12:00 and 13:00. The afternoon sees a dip back to 2 from 14:00 to 15:00, before gradually lowering to 1 by 16:00. As the day winds down, the index returns to 0 around 18:00 and remains there until 19:00, offering a safe end to the day’s outdoor activities. Make sure to protect yourself during those midday hours when the sun is at its most intense!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | 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 | 4 | 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 changes significantly throughout the year, with the highest levels occurring in the winter and early spring months. January and February are notably high-risk months, featuring extreme UV indices of 14 and 16, respectively, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. The risk diminishes slightly in March at a UV index of 9 (very high, burn time 15 min) and continues to decline through April and May. By June and July, UV exposure is classified as low to moderate (2 to 3), allowing for longer safe exposure times of 30 to 45 minutes. However, as summer transitions to fall, the UV index climbs again, peaking in October at 10 (very high) and remaining relatively high into November with an 11. To safely enjoy outdoor activities, residents and visitors should take necessary precautions, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, especially during high-risk months, to minimize the risk of harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| Hanmer Springs | 14 | 16 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 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 |