Last updated: June 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Te Awanga, New Zealand, especially given its unique climate zone (Cfb). Understanding UV levels is vital for protecting your skin from sunburn and long-term health issues, as even low UV exposure can accumulate over time. With maximum UV Index readings peaking at 2 between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, it's important to take precautions, particularly during the warmer months when UV rays can be deceptively strong. Stay informed and proactive to enjoy the beautiful outdoors without compromising your skin health!
From the early hours of the day, the UV Index starts at 0 at 7:00 AM, indicating minimal risk. As the sun climbs higher, it gradually increases to 2 by 10:00 AM, peaking at 2 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, which suggests a moderate risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. After a brief peak, the index begins to decline again, returning to 1 by 3:00 PM and dropping to 0 by 5:00 PM, signaling a safe time to be outdoors without sun protection. Overall, it's a fairly mild day for UV exposure, making it a good time for outdoor activities—but remember to stay mindful of the midday sun!
| 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 | 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, seasonal fluctuations in UV index levels highlight the importance of sun safety for both visitors and residents. The high-risk months occur in January, February, November, and December, where UV indices reach extreme levels (up to 14), resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. March and October also present considerable risk with very high levels (UV index of 9) and a burn time of 15 minutes. As the year progresses into April and September, while the UV index drops to high (7 and 6, respectively), exposure remains risky, with burn times of 25 minutes. From May to August, the UV index reaches moderate levels (4 and 3), allowing for safer sun exposure but still warrants caution. It is essential for everyone to protect their skin during these times by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen to mitigate the risks associated with 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 |
| Wellington UVI | 13 | 13 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 13 |
| Te Awanga | 14 | 13 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 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 |