Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Onerahi, New Zealand, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and reducing long-term skin damage, especially considering the area's temperate maritime climate (Cfb) that can lead to fluctuating UV exposure. During peak hours, particularly around midday, the UV Index can reach levels as high as 5, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about UV levels, residents can enjoy the outdoors while taking necessary precautions to safeguard their skin.
The UV Index throughout the day presents an intriguing pattern of intensity and fluctuation. Starting early, at 07:00 and 08:00, the levels remain low at 1, providing a gentle reminder to ease into the day. As the sun climbs higher, the index steadily increases, peaking at 12:00 and 13:00 with a notable 5, urging sun-seekers to take precautions. The afternoon sees a slight dip, with values dropping to 3 by 14:00 and 2 by 15:00. As the sun begins to set, the UV Index declines significantly, returning to 1 by 16:00 and ultimately reaching 0 after 18:00. This data underscores the importance of timing for outdoor activities, with the midday hours proving to be the most intense. ☀️
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | 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 | 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 |
| Onerahi | 14 | 14 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 14 |