Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Twizel, New Zealand, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health. With its Cfb climate, this charming town experiences diverse weather, but that doesn't diminish the importance of monitoring UV levels. Awareness of UV exposure is vital for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring that you enjoy the sun safely. During the sunniest hours—especially between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM—the UV Index here can reach levels of 2, signaling a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Stay informed about your surroundings and take the necessary precautions to enjoy the outdoors while protecting your skin!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a gradual ascent as the sun climbs high in the sky. Starting at a maximum of 0 at 07:00, the index slowly advances to 1 from 08:00 to 10:00. By 11:00, it reaches 2, peaking at this level from 12:00 to 14:00, indicating a moderate risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon wanes, the UV intensity begins to taper off, descending to 1 by 15:00 and then returning to 0 by 18:00. This hourly fluctuation emphasizes the importance of being sun-smart during those midday hours when the UV Index is at its peak.
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with January and February marking the peak of extreme levels at 14 and 12, respectively, allowing for a burn time of just 10 minutes. This trend continues into March (UV Index 9, very high), where the burn time increases slightly to 15 minutes, before tapering off to high (UV Index 6) in April, with a burn time of 25 minutes. The risk diminishes significantly from May (moderate) through July (low), offering more extended burn times ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, UV levels rise again in October (UV Index 9, very high) and November (UV Index 11, extreme), where the burn time once again drops to 10-15 minutes. With these insights, it is advisable for visitors and residents to take extra precautions during the high-risk months of January, February, October, and November, by utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to mitigate harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| Twizel | 14 | 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 |