Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Palmerston, New Zealand, being aware of the UV Index is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding the daily UV levels can help residents and visitors alike make informed decisions about sun protection, especially during the peak hours between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the index reaches a moderate level of 3. Palmerston’s marine temperate climate (Cfb) means that while summers are mild, UV exposure can still pose risks, making it crucial to stay vigilant about sun safety year-round. Keeping an eye on the UV Index allows you to enjoy the outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful rays.
At 07:00, the UV Index starts off at a comfortable 0, indicating safe outdoor conditions. As the sun rises, it gently climbs to 1 by 08:00 and remains steady until 09:00. By 10:00, a slight increase to 2 suggests it’s time to put on some sunscreen, especially as it peaks at 3 between 12:00 and 13:00. The afternoon sees a dip back to 2 from 14:00 to 15:00, before gradually lowering to 1 by 16:00. As the day winds down, the index returns to 0 around 18:00 and remains there until 19:00, offering a safe end to the day’s outdoor activities. Make sure to protect yourself during those midday hours when the sun is at its most intense!
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 12:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits seasonal fluctuations that significantly impact sun exposure risks. The highest risk months are January and February, both classified as extreme with a UV Index of 13 and 11, where unprotected skin can burn in just 10 minutes. As spring arrives, March sees a drop to a very high index of 8, allowing for a burn time of 15 minutes. Moderate levels emerge in April and May with UV Index values of 5 and 3, respectively, offering longer burn times up to 30 minutes. By summer, UV levels decrease further, peaking again in the fall with October and November experiencing very high indices. Residents and visitors are advised to practice sun safety during high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV rays are the strongest.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palmerston | 13 | 11 | 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 |