Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Murchison, New Zealand, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding UV levels plays a vital role in preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of long-term skin damage. With a Cfb climate characterized by moderate temperatures and occasional sunny days, the UV exposure can vary throughout the day. During peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, UV Index values can reach up to 4, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Stay informed, take precautions, and enjoy the beauty of Murchison safely!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic pattern of sun intensity. In the morning, it starts off low, peaking at 1 by 09:00. As the sun climbs higher, we see a steady increase with the index reaching 3 by 11:00. The highest point occurs from 12:00 to 13:00, where the UV Index hits a robust 4, indicating a need for sun protection during those hours. Following this peak, the index gradually declines, returning to 2 at 15:00, and then dropping back down to 0 by 18:00, marking the end of significant UV exposure for the day. Plan your outdoor activities accordingly to stay safe under the sun!
| 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 | 3 | 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, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest risk occurring in the winter and late fall months of January, February, November, and December, where it reaches a critical level of 13, categorized as extreme, with a burn time of only 10 minutes. As spring approaches, March and October see a drop to a very high level of 9, while April and September present a high risk with indices of 7 and 6, respectively, allowing for longer burn times of 25 minutes. May and August show moderate levels at 4, offering burn times of 30 minutes, whereas the summer months of June and July maintain a low risk at 2, with extended burn times of 45 minutes. It is essential for both visitors and residents to take precautions, especially during the high-risk months from January to February and November to December, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize 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 |
| Murchison | 13 | 13 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 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 |