Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Kawakawa, New Zealand, is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. High UV levels can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage, making awareness a key part of enjoying the outdoors safely. Kawakawa, nestled in a Cfb climate zone, experiences moderate UV exposure, especially during midday hours when levels peak at 3. Being informed about these fluctuations helps residents and visitors take proactive steps against harmful sun rays, ensuring that the beauty of Kawakawa can be enjoyed without compromising skin health.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a gradual increase in sun intensity, peaking mid-afternoon. Starting at 0 at 07:00, the index rises to 1 by 08:00 and remains moderate at 1 for the following hour. As the sun ascends, the intensity reaches 2 by 10:00, climbing further to 3 at 11:00, sustaining this level until 14:00. After this peak, a gentle decline begins, with the index dropping to 2 at 15:00, and gradually easing back to 1 by 17:00, before retreating to 0 by 18:00. For anyone spending time outdoors, the late morning to early afternoon presents the highest UV exposure; thus, caution and sun protection are highly advisable during these 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 3 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring from January to March, where values reach 14 classified as extreme, necessitating a burn time of only 10 minutes. November and December also present high risks with UV Index values of 12 and 14 respectively, continuing to emphasize precautions due to the extreme exposure category. As we transition into April, the UV Index decreases to 7 (high), allowing for a longer burn time of 25 minutes, while May through July remain moderate, with UV Index values ranging from 5 to 3 and burn times averaging 30 minutes. The onset of autumn sees a return to higher readings in September (UV Index 7, high) and October (UV Index 10, very high) before diminishing later in the year. Visitors and residents should take note of high-risk months, particularly those from January to March and November to December, and should ensure adequate sun protection measures are in place to avoid harmful 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 |
| 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 |
| Kawakawa | 14 | 14 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 14 |