Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Whangarei Heads, New Zealand is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. As a region that enjoys a mild climate, residents and visitors alike should be mindful of the sun's intensity, particularly during midday hours when UV levels can reach 3, signaling moderate risk for sunburn. Maintaining awareness of these UV levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. With typical exposure risks peaking in the early afternoon, staying informed allows you to enjoy the sunny days safely while protecting against potential skin damage.
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 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 |
| Whangarei Heads | 14 | 14 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 14 |