Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for maintaining skin health in Mangatainoka, New Zealand, a region that experiences a temperate climate characterized by cool winters and mild summers. As the sun's rays can still pose a risk in this beautiful locale, being aware of UV levels helps you take proactive measures to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. On typical days, UV exposure in Mangatainoka peaks around midday, reaching levels of 3, indicating a moderate risk to your skin. Therefore, staying informed about the UV Index is vital for all outdoor activities, ensuring a fun and safe experience under the sun.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a maximum of 0 at 7:00 AM, indicating minimal exposure risk. As the day progresses, the UV levels subtly rise, reaching 1 by 8:00 and 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, the index reaches 2, continuing at this moderate level through 11:00 AM. The peak sunshine hours arrive at 12:00 PM, where the UV Index hits 3, marking a time to take extra precautions. As the afternoon unfolds, the levels gently dip back to 2 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, before declining to 1 between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM. The UV exposure decreases significantly as evening approaches, dropping back to 0 by 6:00 PM and remaining at that safe level until sunset. Remember to stay protected during the peak hours!
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index readings fluctuate significantly, with the highest risks occurring during the extreme exposure categories in January, February, November, and December, when the UV Index reaches 13 and the burn time is as little as 10 minutes. The transition months of March and October indicate very high exposure levels, necessitating careful sun protection with burn times of just 15 minutes. As we move into the warmer months, April and September present high exposure with burn times of 25 minutes. By May, June, and July, the UV Index decreases to moderate levels, offering slightly longer burn times of 30 to 45 minutes. Residents and visitors should be especially cautious during high-risk months, ensuring they apply sunscreen regularly and seek shade when necessary, particularly during peak sunlight hours.
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 |
| Mangatainoka | 13 | 13 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 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 |