Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Papatowai, New Zealand, awareness of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of long-term skin damage, making it vital to keep an eye on daily UV readings. Nestled in a Cfb climate zone, Papatowai experiences a variety of weather patterns, but even on mild days, UV exposure can pose risks, particularly during the midday hours. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting your skin from harmful rays.
The UV Index for the day paints a picture of a relatively mild sun profile, starting from a maximum of 0 at dawn. As the morning progresses, it gradually rises, reaching 1 by 09:00 and peaking at 2 between 12:00 and 14:00. During these midday hours, sun seekers can enjoy moderate UV exposure while taking necessary precautions. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index dips again, falling to 1 by 15:00 and returning to 0 by 18:00, making late-day outdoor activities safe. Overall, it’s a gentle reminder to stay sun-smart during the brief midday peak!
| 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 | 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 variation, with the highest values occurring during the winter and late fall months. January and December are particularly concerning, both having an index of 12 and classified as extreme, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Meanwhile, February and November also present high risks, with indices of 11 and 9, respectively, demanding similar caution. As spring approaches, the UV Index decreases, peaking at 8 in March and October, categorized as very high with a burn time of 15 minutes. By summer, the risk diminishes, with June and July classified as low, allowing for longer exposure times of 45 minutes. However, caution should still be taken in August and September, as the index returns to moderate levels at 3 and 5. Visitors and residents are advised to prioritize sun safety, especially from November to March, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Papatowai | 12 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 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 |