UV Index in Whitianga, New Zealand

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In Whitianga, New Zealand, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels enables residents and visitors alike to make informed decisions about sun exposure, helping to prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Nestled in a temperate climate (Cfb), Whitianga offers beautiful sunny days, but with that comes the risk of elevated UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when levels peak at 5. Stay sun-smart by checking the UV Index daily and taking protective measures when the UV levels rise!

Hourly UV Index in Whitianga

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.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
TimeUVICategoryTime to Burn
07:001low45 min
08:001low45 min
09:002low45 min
10:003moderate30 min
11:004moderate30 min
12:005moderate30 min
13:004moderate30 min
14:003moderate30 min
15:002low45 min
16:001low45 min
17:001low45 min
18:000low45 min
19:000low45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Whitianga

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Whitianga, New Zealand

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Whitianga. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec141410753357101113
Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Whitianga, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Whitianga UV Index with Other New Zealand Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Whitianga compares to other major locations across New Zealand. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.
Whitianga's solar exposure compared to other cities in New Zealand. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Christchurch UVI1312963223591012
Wellington UVI1313974224691013
Hamilton UVI141410743357101113
Manukau City UVI141410743357101113
Auckland UVI141410743357101113
Whitianga141410753357101113