Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Oamaru, New Zealand, where the unique Cfb climate can lead to varying levels of sun exposure throughout the day. By regularly checking the UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and protect your skin health, ensuring outdoor activities remain safe and enjoyable. While Oamaru typically experiences lower UV indices during the early morning and evening, it’s essential to stay vigilant around midday when exposure risks begin to rise. Awareness of UV levels empowers you to enjoy the sun responsibly, allowing you to soak in Oamaru's beautiful surroundings while keeping your skin safe.
The UV Index throughout the day starts off quite low, with a maximum of 0 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, making it a safe time to enjoy morning activities without concern. As the day progresses, the index gradually climbs, peaking at 2 during the hours of 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. This indicates a moderate level of ultraviolet radiation, suggesting that while it's a good time for outdoor fun, wearing sunscreen and protective clothing is advisable. After 1:00 PM, the UV Index dips back down, returning to 1 by 2:00 PM and further declining to 0 by the early evening. Overall, it’s a day that calls for a bit of sun-smart awareness, especially around midday!
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 13:00 | 2 | 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 values exhibit significant seasonal changes. The highest risk months are January, February, and December, when the UV index reaches its peak at 13 and 12, categorizing sun exposure as extreme, with a burn time of only 10 minutes. Following closely, March and November also present high UV levels, categorized as very high with a burn time of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors should take extra precautions during these months, including wearing protective clothing and sunscreen. As we transition into April and October, the risk decreases slightly but remains notable at high and very high levels, respectively. The summer months of June and July experience a drop to a low UV index of 2, but attention should still be paid during transitional months like August and September, when the index returns to moderate levels. It's crucial for everyone to stay informed and adjust their sun exposure habits according to these seasonal fluctuations.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oamaru | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 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 |