Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Portobello, New Zealand, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. The UV Index indicates the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which is essential for understanding daily sun exposure levels. By knowing these levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and safeguard your skin's health. With Portobello's temperate Cfb climate, residents and visitors should be aware of the risks associated with midday sun exposure, especially during the warmer months when UV rays can be deceptively strong. So, keep an eye on the UV Index and enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely!
The UV Index for the day showcased a gentle yet noticeable increase as the sun climbed higher in the sky. Starting from 0 at 07:00, it gradually picked up momentum, peaking at 2 between 12:00 and 14:00. During these midday hours, sun safety is crucial, as the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure rises. As the afternoon progressed, the index dipped back to 1 by 15:00 and continued to decline, reaching 0 again by 18:00. This shifting pattern offers a great reminder to enjoy the sun while being mindful of its intensity, particularly during those peak hours!
| 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 | 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 |
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portobello | 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 |