Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Weston, New Zealand, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors safely. With Weston’s Cfb climate, characterized by mild temperatures and frequent cloud cover, it’s easy to underestimate UV exposure. However, even on overcast days, UV rays can still pose a risk, especially during peak hours of 11 AM to 2 PM when UV Index levels reach 2. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to keep your skin healthy under the New Zealand sun!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a gradual ascent as the sun climbs high in the sky. Starting at a maximum of 0 at 07:00, the index slowly advances to 1 from 08:00 to 10:00. By 11:00, it reaches 2, peaking at this level from 12:00 to 14:00, indicating a moderate risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon wanes, the UV intensity begins to taper off, descending to 1 by 15:00 and then returning to 0 by 18:00. This hourly fluctuation emphasizes the importance of being sun-smart during those midday hours when the UV Index is at its peak.
| 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 | 2 | 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, 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weston | 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 |