Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Methven, New Zealand, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and promoting overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and reduces the risk of long-term skin damage. With Methven's Cfb climate, residents and visitors face varying UV exposure risks throughout the day, particularly peaking between 11 AM and 2 PM when the index reaches a moderate 3. Staying informed about these UV levels empowers you to make smarter choices about sun protection, ensuring your outdoor activities remain safe and enjoyable.
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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring in the winter and late fall months. Notably, January and December have an extreme UV Index of 13, requiring a burn time of just 10 minutes, making them high-risk months for skin damage. Following closely, February and November also present extreme conditions with an Index of 12 and 11, respectively. As spring approaches, the UV Index decreases but remains very high in March at 9, while April marks a drop to a high level of 6. Summer months like June and July offer some respite with a low Index of 2, but it rises to 4 in August. As autumn unfolds, the UV Index again escalates to a very high 9 in October and moderate levels in September at 5. Visitors and residents should stay vigilant, particularly during the high-risk months from January to April, and take protective measures like sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses when exposed to sunlight during these periods.
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 |
| Methven | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 11 | 13 |
| 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 |