Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Rakaia, New Zealand, awareness of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage, particularly during the peak hours of sun exposure. With a temperate climate characterized by cool winters and mild summers, Rakaia can still present notable UV risks, especially when the index reaches moderate levels between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Stay informed and take proactive measures to enjoy the sunny days while keeping your skin safe!
The UV Index throughout the day offers a clear insight into solar intensity, peaking at 3 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, signaling moderate sun exposure. The day begins with 0 UV at 7:00 AM, gradually rising to 1 by 8:00 AM and maintaining a low level until 10:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index reaches 2 by mid-morning and then stabilizes at 3 during the lunch hours, suggesting the need for sun protection. By mid-afternoon, numbers dip back to 2 and diminish further to 1 as the evening approaches. Finally, the UV Index returns to 0 after 6:00 PM, marking a transition into a safer time to enjoy the outdoors without risk of sunburn.
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 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, seasonal changes in the UV Index highlight periods of increased sun exposure risk. January and February** are high-risk months** with an extreme UV Index of 12-13, where a burn can occur in just 10 minutes. The intensity diminishes in March (UV Index 9) but remains very high, followed by a drop to high levels in April (UV Index 6). By May, the Index shifts to moderate (UV Index 3), offering some relief, and remains low during June and July (UV Index 2). However, caution is still advised as August and September see moderate UV levels (4-5). The risk resurfaces in October and November with very high indices (9-10), requiring caution once again for a burn within 15 minutes, and finally returns to extreme levels in December (UV Index 12). Visitors and residents should remain vigilant, especially during the high-risk months, and take protective measures such as sunscreen, clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
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 |
| Rakaia | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 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 |