Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Sefton, New Zealand, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the sunniest hours of the day. Understanding UV levels allows residents and visitors to take necessary precautions against harmful ultraviolet radiation, which can lead to skin damage and increased risk of skin cancer. Given Sefton's Cfb climate, characterized by mild temperatures and fluctuating sunlight exposure, it's important to stay informed about UV risks. During midday hours, the UV Index can reach level 3, signifying a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Stay vigilant and protect your skin!
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, 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 |
| Sefton | 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 |