Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Piopio, New Zealand, where daily sun exposure can vary significantly. Awareness of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and promoting skin health, ensuring you enjoy the outdoors safely. With Piopio's Cfb climate, which offers mild temperatures and occasional sunny days, the potential for UV damage is real, especially during midday hours when the index can reach up to 3. Stay informed about UV levels to protect yourself and your loved ones while basking in the beautiful New Zealand sun!
The UV Index throughout the day paints a clear picture of sun exposure. Starting from 07:00, the index remains at 0, indicating minimal UV radiation. As the sun rises higher, it reaches a peak of 3 at 12:00, marking the time when protection is essential. Between 10:00 and 14:00, the index fluctuates between 2 and 3, suggesting moderate to high UV levels, perfect for seeking shade or wearing sunscreen. Post 15:00, the UV Index drops gradually, returning to 0 by 18:00. This data highlights the importance of being sun-smart during midday hours when UV radiation is at its strongest. Stay protected!
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 14:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 15:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking during the winter months of January and February with an extreme index of 14, necessitating a burn time of only 10 minutes. Following that, March sees a drop to a very high index of 10, with a slightly extended burn time of 15 minutes. The UV exposure then decreases gradually into the spring and summer, reaching a moderate index of 4-5 by May through August, where the burn time stabilizes around 30 minutes. Notably, September sees a return to high levels (UV Index 7), while October peaks again at 9 under very high exposure. As the year closes, November and December bring extreme levels again, registering 11 and 13 respectively, with burn times back down to 10 minutes. Thus, visitors and residents are advised to exercise caution during the high-risk months of January, February, and November by employing sun protection measures, and to remain vigilant during the transitional months to reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
| Piopio | 14 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 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 |