Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Twizel, New Zealand, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health, especially given Twizel’s variable climate, which can expose residents and visitors to elevated UV risks during the sunnier months. With UV Index readings peaking at level 3 around midday, it’s essential to take necessary precautions to safeguard yourself from the sun’s effects while enjoying the region's stunning landscapes.
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 |
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 |