Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Timaru, New Zealand is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With its temperate maritime climate, Timaru experiences varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day, peaking around midday with values reaching up to 3. Being aware of UV levels allows residents and visitors to take appropriate precautions, especially during the warmer months when the sun’s rays can be particularly intense. By monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy outdoor activities while protecting your skin from harmful effects, ensuring a healthy and enjoyable experience under the sun.
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, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring during the winter months of January (13) and February (12), categorized as extreme with a rapid burn time of 10 minutes. The transition to spring sees a decrease, with March at 9 (very high) and April dropping to 6 (high). May marks a notable reduction to 3 (moderate) as temperatures warm up, continuing through the summer months of June and July where the index remains low at 2. As autumn approaches, the index rises again with October and November at 9 and 10 (very high), respectively, having burn times of just 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise increased caution during the high-risk months of January, February, October, and November, ensuring proper sun protection measures such as sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing to minimize skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timaru | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
| 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 |
| 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 |