Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Roxburgh, New Zealand, where the climate's subtropical characteristics can lead to varying levels of sun exposure throughout the day. Awareness of UV levels is essential not only for sunburn prevention but also for maintaining long-term skin health and reducing the risk of skin-related ailments. Roxburgh experiences moderate UV exposure, with peak levels reaching 3 around midday, emphasizing the need for vigilance and protective measures during the summer months. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing harm to your skin.
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, seasonal changes in UV exposure highlight the importance of sun safety for both visitors and residents. The highest risk months occur in January and February, with a UV Index of 13 and 12, respectively, classifying them as extreme and necessitating a burn time of just 10 minutes. Following this, March sees a slight decrease to a very high UV Index of 9, with a burn time of 15 minutes. Meanwhile, late spring and summer months (April to July) witness a gradual decline, with April and May categorized as moderate (UV Index 5 and 3) and longer burn times of 30 minutes. In June and July, risk lowers to a low UV Index of 2, allowing for 45 minutes of safe sun exposure. As autumn approaches, September and October return to moderate and very high levels, respectively, urging caution again. For November and December, the UV Index climbs back to very high (10) and extreme (12), with noticeable burn times of 15 and 10 minutes. Consequently, it is essential for individuals to monitor the UV Index regularly and take appropriate precautions, particularly during the peak months, to protect against sun damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roxburgh | 13 | 12 | 9 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 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 |