Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Coromandel, New Zealand, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions during the peak exposure times, particularly between 11 AM and 1 PM, when the UV Index can reach a level of 5—indicating moderate risk. Coromandel's Cfb climate, characterized by mild temperatures and ample sunshine, poses unique UV exposure risks that make sun safety a priority. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can enjoy the stunning outdoors while protecting your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
The UV Index throughout the day follows a distinct pattern, with the intensity peaking at 12:00 PM when it reaches a noteworthy level of 5. Morning hours start off mild, with values of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, gradually escalating to 2 by 09:00, then climbing to 4 at 11:00. Post-noon, the index slightly decreases, falling to 4 again at 13:00, before tapering off to 2 by 15:00. As the day winds down, the levels drop significantly, plunging to 0 by 19:00. This highlights the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when UV radiation is at its strongest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with high-risk months primarily occurring from January to March and in November and December. Specifically, January and February present an extreme category (UV Index 14), where the burn time is just 10 minutes. March sees a drop to a very high level (UV Index 10), increasing burn time to 15 minutes. As spring progresses into summer, the index decreases to moderate levels from June to August (UV Index 3 to 5), with burn times extending to 30 minutes. However, caution should be exercised again in September and October as the index climbs back to high and very high levels (UV Index 7 and 10, respectively) with burn times of 25 and 15 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during peak months by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and minimizing sun exposure during vulnerable hours, especially in the high-risk months of January, February, November, and December.
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 |
| 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 |
| Coromandel | 14 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 |