Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Ruakaka, New Zealand, being aware of the UV Index is crucial to safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding the day's UV levels can help you effectively prevent sunburn and reduce the long-term risks associated with UV exposure, such as skin cancer. With its temperate climate characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, Ruakaka presents unique challenges when it comes to sun exposure. On sunny days, even moderate UV levels can pose a risk, particularly during peak hours around midday when the index reaches a score of 3. Stay informed to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting your skin!
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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal changes, with high-risk months occurring predominantly in the winter and early spring. January and February show extreme UV levels (Index 14), with a burn time of just 10 minutes. As we transition to March, the UV Index drops slightly to 10 (very high), necessitating a burn time of 15 minutes. The spring months of April and September have high Index levels (7), offering moderate burn times of 25 minutes. In contrast, the summer months June and July see a reduction in UV risk, with moderate Index levels (3), allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes. Notably, as winter approaches, November and December return to extreme levels (12 and 13, respectively) with short burn times of 10 minutes. For both visitors and residents, it is crucial to stay aware of these UV Index variations and take appropriate sun safety precautions, particularly during the extreme months, to minimize the risk of sunburn and 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 |
| Ruakaka | 14 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 13 |