Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Otatara, New Zealand is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With the region's temperate climate and varying UV exposure, knowing when UV levels peak can help you avoid sunburn and reduce long-term skin damage. Typically, the UV Index reaches moderate levels around midday, emphasizing the importance of awareness in this beautiful locale. By staying informed, residents and visitors alike can enjoy Otatara's stunning outdoors while prioritizing their skin's well-being.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Otatara | 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 |