Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Twizel, New Zealand, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike protect themselves from the harmful effects of UV radiation, especially during the sunniest hours of the day. Twizel's Cfb climate means that while temperatures can be gentle, the risk of UV exposure can still be significant; knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is essential for enjoying outdoor activities safely. As the UV Index peaks at 2 during midday, it's important to stay informed and take proactive steps to safeguard your skin.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a gradual rise in sun exposure, peaking during the midday hours. Starting from a low 0 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index climbs to 1 by 09:00 and remains steady until 10:00. The sun's intensity intensifies as it reaches a maximum of 2 between 11:00 and 14:00, indicating a moderate level of UV radiation. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index begins to decline, dipping back to 1 from 15:00 to 16:00, before dropping to 0 once again by 17:00. If you're planning outdoor activities, aim for the late morning or early afternoon hours, while always remembering to stay protected!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 12:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 13:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 14:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 15:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 0 | 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 |