Ultraviolet levels in New Zealand
Ultraviolet levels in New Zealand
The UVI varies throughout the year and throughout the day. In New Zealand from September to April the UVI levels are very high. During the daylight saving months, New Zealand has 40% higher peak UVR levels than places at similar latitudes in the northern hemisphere.
Between September to April, (especially between 10am and 4pm), the UVI can reach 13 in the north of New Zealand, whereas during a European summer UVI levels are generally not more than about 8, although they can be higher, especially near the coast. When the UVI is 3 or above sun protection is needed.
By contrast, in winter the UVI is low and generally sun protection is not required. In the South Island in winter the UVI can be as low as 1. However, even in winter, at high altitudes and/or in snow, the UVI is much higher and sun protection is usually required. On ski-fields, UVI values can be about 20-30% more than at sea level. See the Altitude and snow information sheet.
View the: typical New Zealand UVR levels on a summer day below
View the: Mean and Peak UVI levels (taken at solar noon) throughout the year at five New Zealand centres
More information on the UVI:
Find out the UVI for your area
To help you work out how best to protect yourself from the sun you can find out the UVI in your region plus your own personal recommendations of appropriate sun protection measures
To find the UVI for your area go to:
o NIWA website - click on your town/city and find out the UVI and what time during the day you need to protect yourself from the sun. The diagrams show UV levels at specific times of the day and give a predicted maximum UV level for sunny and cloudy skies.
o SunSmart website – this provides a map of New Zealand. Click on your town/city for the forecast of the maximum UVI for the day and then find what sun protection is recommended based on your skin type and the time you will be in the sun
See NIWA's Climatology report above.
