Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Kaeo, New Zealand, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. The UV Index provides an important measure of the sun's ultraviolet radiation, helping residents and visitors alike to make informed decisions about sun protection, especially during peak hours when the risk of sunburn is highest. In Kaeo's temperate oceanic climate, where UV exposure can vary significantly throughout the day, being aware of UV levels is essential for preventing skin damage and maintaining long-term skin health. With daily peaks reaching up to 4 around noon, being proactive about sun safety can make all the difference in enjoying the beautiful outdoors while minimizing harmful effects.
The UV Index for the day unfolds a fascinating journey through the hours, starting with a maximum of 0 at 7:00 AM, indicating a safe start to the morning. As the sun ascends, the index gradually climbs to 1 by 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, hinting at a gentle rise in UV exposure. By 10:00 AM, the UV Index reaches 2, marking the beginning of a moderate risk period. The intensity peaks at 12:00 PM with a high of 4, prompting sun safety measures to avoid overexposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index recedes slightly, stabilizing at 3 from 11:00 AM to 14:00 PM, before tapering off to 1 by 16:00 PM, and finally returning to 0 by the evening. This daily UV cycle highlights the importance of sun safety, especially during midday hours when UV radiation is strongest.
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 3 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal fluctuations, with January, February, March, November, and December being classified as high-risk months due to their extreme exposure categories and a burn time of only 10 minutes. As spring approaches, April marks a transition to a very high category with a UV Index of 8 and a 15-minute burn time, while May to August sees a moderate index ranging from 5 to 3, allowing for a safer exposure time of 30 minutes. The UV Index begins to rise again in September at 7, categorized as high, before returning to very high in October. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during the extreme months—wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours—to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
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 |
| Kaeo | 14 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 14 |