Last updated: June 2, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index in Paihia, New Zealand is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining your overall health. The UV levels can vary significantly throughout the day, peaking between 11 AM and 2 PM, when even a brief exposure can lead to sunburn. Understanding these levels not only helps in preventing immediate skin damage but also reduces long-term risks associated with UV radiation, such as skin cancer. With Paihia's temperate climate, characterized by mild temperatures and frequent sunny days, locals and visitors alike must remain vigilant to avoid the high UV exposure risks typical of this beautiful region.
The UV Index data reveals a gentle rise in sun exposure as the day unfolds. Starting from a calm 0 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually climbs to peak at 3 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, signaling the most intense sun exposure during midday. As the clock ticks past 2:00 PM, the index gently declines, reaching a soothing 1 by late afternoon, before tapering off completely to 0 by 6:00 PM. For sun-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, the midday hours demand precaution, while the early morning and late evening provide enjoyable, low-UVI moments.
| 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 | 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 |
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 |
| Paihia | 14 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 14 |