Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Waimate North, New Zealand, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially as UV radiation can be deceptive during certain times of the day. With a Cfb climate, Waimate North experiences varied UV exposure, peaking at a UV Index of 5 around midday. This means that even on seemingly mild days, it's vital to stay vigilant about sun safety to ensure you enjoy the outdoors without compromising your skin health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a low 1 at 7:00 AM, indicating minimal sun exposure risk. By 9:00 AM, it climbs to 2, suggesting it's time to start thinking about sun protection. The intensity peaks at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, reaching a high of 5, at which point it's crucial to apply sunscreen and seek shade. As the afternoon progresses, the index gently declines to 4 by 2:00 PM and further down to 2 by 3:00 PM. By 5:00 PM, the risk decreases significantly to 1, before tapering off to 0 after 6:00 PM, signaling a safe window for evening activities. Be mindful of the sun’s strength during the midday hours!
| 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 | 4 | 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 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 |
| Waimate North | 14 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 14 |