Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Ahipara, New Zealand, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is crucial, as even moderate exposure can lead to sunburn, increase the risk of skin cancer, and affect long-term skin health. With Ahipara's Cfb climate, you may be surprised by the variations in UV exposure throughout the day, particularly peaking at levels 4 and 5 during midday hours. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to enjoy the sun safely and protect your skin from harmful effects.
At dawn, the UV Index begins at a gentle 0 by 07:00, indicating minimal exposure risk. As the sun rises higher, the index steadily climbs, reaching 1 at 08:00 and peaking at 5 between 12:00 and 13:00, when the sun’s rays are at their most intense. During these peak hours, it’s wise to don your sunscreen and protective gear. Following this zenith, the index gracefully descends, dropping to 4 at 14:00 and tapering off to 2 by 15:00. As the afternoon fades to evening, the UV levels reduce significantly, returning to a safe 0 by 18:00. This hourly UV pattern underscores the importance of sun safety during peak daylight hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | 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 shows significant seasonal variation, with the highest values occurring during the winter months of January, February, and December, where an extreme risk level is present (UV Index 14) with a burn time of just 10 minutes. March also remains perilous with a UV Index of 11, classified as extreme. As spring approaches, April sees a decrease to a very high level (UV Index 8), while May and June shift to a moderate range (UV Index 5 and 3, respectively), allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes. In the late summer and early fall, UV levels remain moderate but peak again in September (UV Index 7), transitioning to a very high level in October (UV Index 10) and rising back to extreme in November (UV Index 12). Residents and visitors should take precautions during the high-risk months of January, February, March, October, and November by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and limiting direct sunlight exposure to mitigate the risk of 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 |
| 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 |
| Ahipara | 14 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 14 |