When does Wellington need sun protection?

Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Wellington 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 Wellington need sun protection in winter?

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

Does city shade protect you from UV in Wellington?

Only while you stay in it. Buildings cut some sky, but plazas, crossings and glass bounce UV onto uncovered skin. The live index on this page is the open-sky reading. Treat lunch outside as full-sun time whenever it is 3 or above.

UV index in Wellington today

Wellington's wind cools the air, not the UV. Harbour walks, Town Belt trails and south-coast beaches still see very high summer readings at 41°S.

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

Today and tomorrow in Wellington

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

When Wellington needs sun protection

Sun protection is typically needed from September through April in Wellington, and on clear winter middays whenever UV 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 Wellington

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

Oriental Bay
Town Belt walks
South coast bays
Mount Victoria lookout

The UV scale at a glance

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

Frequently asked questions

When does Wellington need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Wellington 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 Wellington need sun protection in winter?: Not every day. Midwinter middays in Wellington often sit below UV 3, but clear late-winter days (from August in much of Wellington) cross the threshold before the weather feels like spring. Check the live index.
Does city shade protect you from UV in Wellington?: Only while you stay in it. Buildings cut some sky, but plazas, crossings and glass bounce UV onto uncovered skin. The live index on this page is the open-sky reading. Treat lunch outside as full-sun time whenever it is 3 or above.