Last updated: June 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents of Waimate, New Zealand, where the temperate climate brings varying levels of sun exposure throughout the year. Understanding UV levels not only aids in preventing sunburn but is also essential for long-term skin health, as even low exposure can accumulate over time. In Waimate's climate, typical UV exposure risks surface during midday hours, where values can reach up to 2—a reminder that even on seemingly mild days, it's important to take precautions to protect your skin from harmful rays. Stay informed and safeguard your health by paying attention to the UV Index!
The UV Index throughout the day starts off quite low, with a maximum of 0 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, making it a safe time to enjoy morning activities without concern. As the day progresses, the index gradually climbs, peaking at 2 during the hours of 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. This indicates a moderate level of ultraviolet radiation, suggesting that while it's a good time for outdoor fun, wearing sunscreen and protective clothing is advisable. After 1:00 PM, the UV Index dips back down, returning to 1 by 2:00 PM and further declining to 0 by the early evening. Overall, it’s a day that calls for a bit of sun-smart awareness, especially around midday!
| 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 12:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 13:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 14:00 | 1 | 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, UV index values exhibit significant seasonal changes. The highest risk months are January, February, and December, when the UV index reaches its peak at 13 and 12, categorizing sun exposure as extreme, with a burn time of only 10 minutes. Following closely, March and November also present high UV levels, categorized as very high with a burn time of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors should take extra precautions during these months, including wearing protective clothing and sunscreen. As we transition into April and October, the risk decreases slightly but remains notable at high and very high levels, respectively. The summer months of June and July experience a drop to a low UV index of 2, but attention should still be paid during transitional months like August and September, when the index returns to moderate levels. It's crucial for everyone to stay informed and adjust their sun exposure habits according to these seasonal fluctuations.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waimate | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 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 |