Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Fitzroy, New Zealand, especially given the region's temperate Cfb climate. As you enjoy the beautiful surroundings, it’s vital to be aware of UV levels to protect your skin from sunburn and long-term damage. With UV Index readings typically peaking at 3 during midday, even brief exposure can pose risks. By grasping the significance of these indices, you can enjoy the sun safely while prioritizing your skin health in this idyllic coastal locale.
The UV Index throughout the day tells an intriguing story of sun exposure. Beginning at 7:00 AM, the index stands at a minimal 0, indicating a lower risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses to 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, it slightly increases to 1, suggesting that while the sun is on the rise, caution is still not paramount. By 10:00 AM, the index climbs to 2, hinting at moderate sun intensity, which remains consistent until 11:00 AM. The peak index of 3 is reached at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, marking the sun's strength at its highest, where protective measures are advised. Following this zenith, a gradual decline begins; the index dips back to 2 at 2:00 PM and slides further down to 1 by mid-afternoon, finally wrapping up the day as it returns to 0 by 6:00 PM. This hourly data highlights the importance of sun safety, especially during midday hours when UV exposure is 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 | 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, seasonal fluctuations in UV index levels highlight the importance of sun safety for both visitors and residents. The high-risk months occur in January, February, November, and December, where UV indices reach extreme levels (up to 14), resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. March and October also present considerable risk with very high levels (UV index of 9) and a burn time of 15 minutes. As the year progresses into April and September, while the UV index drops to high (7 and 6, respectively), exposure remains risky, with burn times of 25 minutes. From May to August, the UV index reaches moderate levels (4 and 3), allowing for safer sun exposure but still warrants caution. It is essential for everyone to protect their skin during these times by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen to mitigate the risks associated with UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Fitzroy | 14 | 13 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 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 |