Does The Reefs need sun protection in winter?

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

Can you burn on a cool day in The Reefs?

Yes. UV is not heat. A cool, windy or lightly cloudy day in The Reefs can still sit at UV 3 or above, especially from spring through autumn. Temperature on this page is for context only; the UV number is what decides protection.

UV index in The Reefs today

The Reefs in Otago sits inland at 45.6°S, where dry air and fewer clouds often mean harsher UV than the temperature suggests. Summer middays typically reach 8–10 (very high). This is cool-temperate New Zealand: summer UV still climbs into the very high band, and spring arrives before the weather feels hot.

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

Today and tomorrow in The Reefs

Peak UV, temperature and conditions for The Reefs. 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 day in The Reefs can still sit at protection levels. Why you burn on cloudy days.

When The Reefs needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in The Reefs typically from October through March, and any spring or autumn day UV reaches 3. Inland heat or a cool change does not change the UV index; go by the number, not how the day feels.

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.

The UV scale at a glance

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

Frequently asked questions

When does The Reefs need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In The Reefs 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 The Reefs need sun protection in winter?: Not every day. Midwinter middays in The Reefs often sit below UV 3, but clear late-winter days (from August in much of Otago) cross the threshold before the weather feels like spring. Check the live index.
Can you burn on a cool day in The Reefs?: Yes. UV is not heat. A cool, windy or lightly cloudy day in The Reefs can still sit at UV 3 or above, especially from spring through autumn. Temperature on this page is for context only; the UV number is what decides protection.