Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Leithfield, New Zealand, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With its temperate Cfb climate, residents can experience varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day, making awareness essential for sunburn prevention and long-term skin care. Even during the lower UV readings, such as those seen early in the morning or late in the afternoon, it's important to be vigilant. By staying informed about local UV levels, you can make smarter choices about sun protection, ensuring that your time outdoors remains enjoyable and safe.
The UV Index data presents an interesting snapshot of sunlight intensity throughout the day. Starting at 7:00 AM, the index registers a maximum of 0, indicating a safe environment for outdoor activities. As the morning progresses, it gradually rises, peaking at 2 between 11:00 AM and 13:00 PM, signaling a moderate level of UV exposure. This peak highlights a crucial time for sun protection, especially if you’re outdoors. In the early afternoon, the index dips back to 1 by 14:00, then continues to decline, reaching 0 again by 17:00, signaling a safe evening. This information serves as a helpful reminder to stay protected during peak sunlight hours while enjoying the outdoors!
| 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 | 2 | 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, UV index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, with the highest values occurring during the winter months. January and February are high-risk months, presenting an extreme UV index of 13 and 12, respectively, where a burn can occur in just 10 minutes. As spring arrives, the UV index declines slightly, reaching 9 in March and decreasing to 6 in April, indicating very high and high risk levels, with recommended burn times of 15 and 25 minutes. The summer months of June and July see a drop to a low of 2, allowing for a safer outdoor experience with 45 minutes of protection. However, as we transition into fall, the UV index rises again to 9 in October and 10 in November, both of which are categorized as very high, necessitating vigilant sun protection strategies. Residents and visitors are advised to take necessary precautions, particularly during these high-risk months, by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade when UV index levels are elevated.
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 |
| Leithfield | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 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 |