Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Stratford, New Zealand, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps guide your outdoor activities, ensuring you take the necessary precautions during peak hours. With a Cfb climate, Stratford often experiences varying UV exposure risks throughout the day, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM when the UV Index can reach as high as 4. Staying informed about these levels empowers you to enjoy the beautiful New Zealand outdoors while protecting your skin!
The UV Index throughout the day experiences a notable progression, starting from a maximum of 0 at 07:00, indicating minimal UV exposure. As the morning unfolds, it gradually rises, reaching 1 by 08:00 and staying steady at this level until 09:00. The sun’s intensity escalates sharply, peaking at 4 between 11:00 and 13:00, highlighting the importance of sun protection during these hours. Just after peak exposure, the index dips slightly to 3 at 14:00 before decreasing further to 2 by 15:00. The final hours see a steady decline, falling back to 1 at 16:00 and 17:00, before returning to 0 by 18:00, signaling the end of the day. This data emphasizes the need for awareness and protection during midday hours when UV radiation is at its highest.
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 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 |
| Stratford | 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 |