Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Waitangi, New Zealand, where the Cfb climate provides a unique blend of mild conditions but still carries important sun exposure risks. Awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health, especially during peak hours when the index can reach a level of 3 from late morning to early afternoon. Asobiopsing through the typical daily UV exposure, even on moderate days, makes it clear that protecting your skin is paramount under Waitangi's sun. Stay informed and take appropriate measures to enjoy the outdoors safely!
During the day, the UV Index showcases a gradual rise as the sun ascends, peaking at 3 between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Early morning hours, specifically at 07:00 AM and 08:00 AM, maintain a gentle level of 1, making it relatively safe to be outdoors without sun protection. As you step out around 9:00 AM, the index nudges to 2, indicating a slight increase in UV exposure. From 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, it reaches its highest point, suggesting that sun safety measures, such as sunscreen or protective clothing, become essential. By 2:00 PM, a decrease begins, returning to 1 by 15:00 PM, and fading further to 0 after 5:00 PM, marking a decline in UV intensity as the day winds down. Overall, early risers will enjoy a low UV risk, while midday sun seekers should take precautions to stay safe!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 | 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, seasonal UV changes reveal significant fluctuations in the UV Index, with January and December exhibiting an extreme level of UV exposure (Index 13), requiring just 10 minutes for potential sunburn. February follows closely with an Index of 12. As spring approaches, March and April see high levels (Index 8 and 6 respectively) with burn times increasing to 15 and 25 minutes. The UV Index decreases in May to 3 and remains moderate throughout August and September, where burn times extend to 30 minutes. The high-risk months are from January to April and again in October and November, which can lead to severe sunburn within minutes. Residents and visitors should take extra precautions during these months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using high-SPF sunscreen to safeguard against intense UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waitangi | 13 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 13 |
| 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 |