Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Milton, New Zealand, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. As the sun moves across the sky, UV levels fluctuate, and even moderate exposure can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. Milton's cool temperate climate, characterized by its Cfb zone, presents specific challenges as UV rays can still be strong, particularly during the peak daylight hours. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to safeguard your skin while enjoying the beautiful outdoors, ensuring that you make the most of Milton's sunny days without compromising your health.
Throughout the day, the UV Index exhibits a distinct pattern, with the sun's intensity gradually increasing as the hours progress. From 07:00 to 08:00, the UV Index remains at a low level of 0, indicating minimal exposure risk. However, starting at 09:00, it slowly climbs to 1, maintaining this level until 16:00. This period, characterized by a sustained UV Index of 1, suggests that while the sun is visible, precautions like sunscreen and protective clothing are still advisable, especially during midday. As evening approaches, from 17:00 onward, the UV Index drops back to 0, signaling a return to safety from the sun's rays. It's a day that reminds us to enjoy the outdoors while staying sun-smart!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 12:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 13:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 14:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 15:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variations, with extreme exposure categories observed in January, February, November, and December. During these months, residents and visitors should be particularly cautious, as the burn time is as little as 10 minutes. March and October also present very high UV levels, urging careful sun protection for burn times around 15 minutes. The moderate UV levels seen in April, May, August, and September allow for longer exposure times of 30 minutes, while June and July provide a low risk with burn times extending to 45 minutes. As sun intensity increases, it is advisable for everyone to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, particularly during the high-risk months to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milton | 13 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 12 |
| 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 |