Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Otorohanga, New Zealand is crucial for anyone looking to enjoy the sun safely. With a Cfb climate, Otorohanga offers a unique blend of mild temperatures and varying UV exposure throughout the day. Monitoring UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. During peak hours, especially around midday, when UV levels can soar to a 3, awareness is key to protecting yourself against harmful effects. As you explore the natural beauty of Otorohanga, keep an eye on the UV Index to ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience!
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 | 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 the highest risk months being January, February, November, and December, where the index reaches extreme levels of 14 and burn times are as short as 10 minutes. As the year progresses, the risk decreases to high in March (10) and April (7), and then tapers off to moderate levels in the summer months (June to August) with values ranging from 3 to 5. The cycle then shifts back to high in September and returns to very high in October (10). Residents and visitors are advised to take necessary precautions during the extreme and very high months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially if spending extended periods outdoors.
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 |
| Otorohanga | 14 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 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 |