When does Napier need sun protection?

Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Napier that is typically from October through March, and any spring or autumn day UV reaches 3. SunSmart NZ and NIWA use the same UV Index scale as Australia.

Does Napier need sun protection in winter?

Not every day. Midwinter middays in Napier often sit below UV 3, but clear late-winter days (from August in much of Hawke's Bay) cross the threshold before the weather feels like spring. Check the live index.

Does the water make UV worse in Napier?

It can. Sand and water reflect ultraviolet, so skin that is not covered (including under the chin and on the tops of feet) picks up extra dose on top of the direct sun. The live UV index on this page is the sky reading; reflection is on top of that.

UV index in Napier today

Napier's Marine Parade and Hawke's Bay wine country mean long outdoor days under strong summer UV. Sea glare adds a second dose on the waterfront.

Live reading · data by Open-Meteo · reference monitoring by ARPANSA

Today and tomorrow in Napier

Peak UV, temperature and conditions for Napier. Tomorrow’s peak is the number to plan around if you’re heading out in the middle of the day.

Weather conditions right now

Cloud and rain cut heat more than they cut UV. A partly cloudy beach day in Napier can still sit at protection levels. Why you burn on cloudy days.

When Napier needs sun protection

Sun protection is typically needed from September through April in Napier, and on any clear day the UV index reaches 3.

The threshold, per SunSmart and ARPANSA: whenever UV reaches 3 or above, Slip on covering clothing, Slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade and Slide on sunglasses. Read the full sun safety guide.

Where the UV adds up in Napier

Long, happy hours outdoors are where exposure quietly accumulates. Local favourites where the five S’s earn their keep:

Marine Parade and the soundshell
Cape Kidnappers day trips
Te Mata Peak
Ahuriri waterfront

The UV scale at a glance

0–2Low
3–5Moderate
6–7High
8–10Very high
11+Extreme

Frequently asked questions

When does Napier need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Napier that is typically from October through March, and any spring or autumn day UV reaches 3. SunSmart NZ and NIWA use the same UV Index scale as Australia.
Does Napier need sun protection in winter?: Not every day. Midwinter middays in Napier often sit below UV 3, but clear late-winter days (from August in much of Hawke's Bay) cross the threshold before the weather feels like spring. Check the live index.
Does the water make UV worse in Napier?: It can. Sand and water reflect ultraviolet, so skin that is not covered (including under the chin and on the tops of feet) picks up extra dose on top of the direct sun. The live UV index on this page is the sky reading; reflection is on top of that.