Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Ruawai, New Zealand, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin health and understanding sun exposure risks. The UV Index is a crucial indicator that helps residents and visitors alike avoid sunburn and reduce the long-term risks of skin cancer. With Ruawai's Cfb climate, which features mild temperatures and occasional high UV levels, it’s important to monitor UV exposure, especially during peak hours from 11 AM to 3 PM when the index can reach 3. Knowing the UV Index empowers you to take proactive measures to protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely!
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 exhibits significant seasonal variation, with high-risk months primarily occurring from January to March and in November and December. Specifically, January and February present an extreme category (UV Index 14), where the burn time is just 10 minutes. March sees a drop to a very high level (UV Index 10), increasing burn time to 15 minutes. As spring progresses into summer, the index decreases to moderate levels from June to August (UV Index 3 to 5), with burn times extending to 30 minutes. However, caution should be exercised again in September and October as the index climbs back to high and very high levels (UV Index 7 and 10, respectively) with burn times of 25 and 15 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during peak months by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and minimizing sun exposure during vulnerable hours, especially in the high-risk months of January, February, November, and December.
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 |
| Ruawai | 14 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 |