Last updated: September 1, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Tairua, New Zealand, where the sun can be deceptively strong, particularly during the peak hours of midday. Understanding the UV levels not only aids in preventing painful sunburns, but also plays a significant role in maintaining long-term skin health. Tairua's Cfb climate brings a unique blend of warm summers and mild winters, contributing to varying UV exposure risks throughout the year. As the UV Index can reach up to 3 around midday, staying informed is key to enjoying the outdoors safely while protecting your skin from harmful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day offers a clear insight into solar intensity, peaking at 3 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, signaling moderate sun exposure. The day begins with 0 UV at 7:00 AM, gradually rising to 1 by 8:00 AM and maintaining a low level until 10:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index reaches 2 by mid-morning and then stabilizes at 3 during the lunch hours, suggesting the need for sun protection. By mid-afternoon, numbers dip back to 2 and diminish further to 1 as the evening approaches. Finally, the UV Index returns to 0 after 6:00 PM, marking a transition into a safer time to enjoy the outdoors without risk of sunburn.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | 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 |
| Tairua | 14 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 |