Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Waikowhai, New Zealand, where the climate offers mild summers and occasional sunny days. Being aware of the UV levels helps prevent sunburn and protects your skin health, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors with confidence. During the day, especially between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, UV levels can reach up to 3, posing moderate risks for unprotected skin. With Waikowhai's pleasant climate, it's essential to stay informed about UV exposure to make the most of your sunny adventures while safeguarding your skin.
From 07:00 AM to 08:00 AM, the UV Index starts at a low 0, indicating minimal sun exposure risk. As the day progresses, the index gradually increases to 1 from 08:00 AM to 10:00 AM, suggesting a very low level of UV radiation. By 11:00 AM, it climbs to 2, signaling a moderate risk, and reaches its peak at 1:00 PM with a UV Index of 3. This marks the sun's strongest influence, warranting some protective measures. Following this peak, the index drops back to 2 by 2:00 PM and slowly decreases to 1 by 4:00 PM, before returning to 0 after 6:00 PM. Overall, this data highlights a daytime UV pattern that encourages caution during midday hours while reflecting minimal sun exposure risks in the early morning and evening.
| 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 12:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 13:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variations, with January, February, November, and December characterized by extreme exposure (UV Index 13-14) and a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. March and October see very high levels (UV Index 9), requiring caution during prolonged outdoor activities. As temperatures rise into April and September, the exposure remains high (UV Index 6), with burn times extending to 25 minutes. Notably, the summer months of May to July present comparatively lower UV levels (UV Index 4-2), making them moderate to low risk with extended burn times. Visitors and residents should particularly exercise vigilance during the high-risk months of January, February, November, and early March, ensuring adequate sun protection measures (such as sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing) to safeguard against skin damage and sunburn. Always monitor daily UV reports and adjust outdoor activities accordingly to stay safe.
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 |
| Waikowhai | 14 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 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 |