Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Hicks Bay, New Zealand, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of long-term skin damage. With Hicks Bay's Cfb climate, which offers a unique blend of oceanic influences, residents and visitors alike must be mindful of varying UV exposures throughout the day. At midday, for example, the UV Index peaks at 4, signaling a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful coastal environment while safeguarding your skin health.
The UV Index for the day reveals a gradual increase in solar intensity as the sun climbs higher. Starting from a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index nudges to 2 by 09:00 and peaks at 4 between 11:00 and 13:00, indicating a notable amount of UV exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the value slightly tapers off to 3 at 14:00 and dwindles down to 2 by 15:00. The evening brings a steep decline, with the index dropping to 1 at 16:00 and then to 0 after 18:00. Stay protected during the midday hours when the UV Index is at its highest!
| 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 | 4 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking during the winter months of January and February with an extreme index of 14, necessitating a burn time of only 10 minutes. Following that, March sees a drop to a very high index of 10, with a slightly extended burn time of 15 minutes. The UV exposure then decreases gradually into the spring and summer, reaching a moderate index of 4-5 by May through August, where the burn time stabilizes around 30 minutes. Notably, September sees a return to high levels (UV Index 7), while October peaks again at 9 under very high exposure. As the year closes, November and December bring extreme levels again, registering 11 and 13 respectively, with burn times back down to 10 minutes. Thus, visitors and residents are advised to exercise caution during the high-risk months of January, February, and November by employing sun protection measures, and to remain vigilant during the transitional months to reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
| 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 |
| Hicks Bay | 14 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 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 |