UV index for Queenstown peaks at UV 5 at 13:00 local time. Data as of (Pacific/Auckland). Values update hourly — see this page for the current reading and hourly forecast.

uvi·today

UV Index in Queenstown

Live UV index for Queenstown, New Zealand — current level, hourly UV forecast, peak times, WHO sun protection advice and a 4-day outlook. Now: UV 0 (Low). Peak today: UV 5 at 13:00.

Now · 02:00 · Queenstown
0
Low
0–2Low3–5Moderate6–7High8–10Very High11+Extreme

Sun protection needed today: 11:00–17:00

Protection guidelines:

Max today · 13:00 — UV 5 · Moderate · Clear sky: 7 at 13:00

  • Seek shade during midday hours
  • Wear a shirt, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and put on a hat
  • Wear UV-blocking sunglasses
Values are forecasts from the European CAMS model (Copernicus), not measurements from a sensor in Queenstown. WHO · Methodology
Today's UV overview · Fri, Oct 9
1
9Partly cloudy12°88%1
2
10Mainly clear14°75%0
4
11Mainly clear16°70%1
5
12Mainly clear18°63%1
5
13Partly cloudy19°55%1
5
14Partly cloudy20°49%2
4
15Partly cloudy21°49%2
3
16Overcast21°47%2
2
17Overcast21°47%2
1
18Overcast21°48%2
% HumidityWind m/s
Max today
5at 13:00
Max tomorrow
5at 12:00
Daylight today
13h 00m07:02–20:02
Solar noon
13:32

Sun & moon in Queenstown

Sun height-38°
Sun directionS 169°
Sky stateNight
-90°-60°-30°0°30°60°90°00:0006:0012:0018:0024:00Now -38°

The curve traces the sun's height above the horizon through the day: 0° is the horizon, 90° is straight overhead. The higher the sun climbs, the shorter the path its rays take through the atmosphere — and the stronger the UV. The part below 0° is night.

Sunrise / sunset directionE 99° / W 260°
Civil twilight06:33–07:03 / 20:02–20:32
Nautical twilight05:57–06:33 / 20:32–21:08
Astronomical twilight05:20–05:57 / 21:08–21:46
Moon phaseWaning crescent · 5%
Moonrise / moonset06:08 / 18:30
Next moon quarterNew moon · Oct 11, 04:50

Detailed hourly UV index — Today, Oct 9

Peak UV 4.9 at 13:00 · Queenstown · Local time (GMT+13)

The solid line is the hourly UV forecast: the UV index expected each hour, with cloud cover taken into account. The dashed line is the clear-sky UV, the level it would reach under a cloudless sky. The gap between the two lines shows how much the clouds are lowering the UV.

0246Max: 56:0010°9:0012°12:0018°15:0021°18:0021°21:0017°
ForecastClear sky

Detailed hourly UV index — Tomorrow, Oct 10

Peak UV 4.6 at 12:00 · Queenstown · Local time (GMT+13)

02468Max: 56:0010°9:0012°12:0019°15:0021°18:0021°21:0017°
ForecastClear sky
Hour-by-hour UV index for today & tomorrow

Detailed hour-by-hour UV index forecast for Queenstown — today and tomorrow. Includes UV level, clear-sky UV, weather conditions, and temperature for each hour.

Today — Oct 9

HourUVClear skyWeather
05:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast10°
06:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast10°
07:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast9°
08:000.2 – Low0.3Overcast9°
09:000.9 – Low1.1Partly cloudy12°
10:002.1 – Low2.5Mainly clear14°
11:003.9 – Moderate4.2Mainly clear16°
12:004.7 – Moderate5.8Mainly clear18°
13:004.9 – Moderate6.7Partly cloudy19°
14:004.8 – Moderate6.7Partly cloudy20°
15:003.9 – Moderate5.6Partly cloudy21°
16:002.9 – Moderate4.0Overcast21°
17:001.7 – Low2.2Overcast21°
18:000.7 – Low0.9Overcast21°
19:000.2 – Low0.2Overcast20°
20:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast19°
21:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast17°

Tomorrow — Oct 10

HourUVClear skyWeather
05:000.0 – Low0.0Partly cloudy10°
06:000.0 – Low0.0Partly cloudy10°
07:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast10°
08:000.3 – Low0.3Overcast10°
09:001.1 – Low1.2Overcast12°
10:002.6 – Moderate2.6Overcast15°
11:004.1 – Moderate4.5Partly cloudy17°
12:004.6 – Moderate6.1Partly cloudy19°
13:004.4 – Moderate7.1Overcast20°
14:003.8 – Moderate7.0Partly cloudy21°
15:003.5 – Moderate5.8Overcast21°
16:003.4 – Moderate4.1Partly cloudy21°
17:002.1 – Low2.3Partly cloudy21°
18:000.9 – Low1.0Partly cloudy21°
19:000.2 – Low0.2Partly cloudy20°
20:000.0 – Low0.0Partly cloudy18°
21:000.0 – Low0.0Partly cloudy17°

4-Day UV Forecast for Queenstown

The 4-day UV index forecast shows each day's peak UV and the time it's reached, plus daily high and low temperatures and an hourly UV curve, so you can plan sun protection for the days ahead.

Today, Oct 9Peak UV 5 at 13:00Sun protection: 11:00–17:0021° / 9°
6Overcast10°9Partly cloudy12°12Mainly clear18°15Partly cloudy21°18Overcast21°
Saturday, Oct 10Peak UV 5 at 12:00Sun protection: 10:00–17:0021° / 10°
6Partly cloudy10°9Overcast12°12Partly cloudy19°15Overcast21°18Partly cloudy21°
Sunday, Oct 11Peak UV 6 at 13:00Sun protection: 11:00–17:0021° / 12°
6Partly cloudy12°9Partly cloudy13°12Partly cloudy19°15Mainly clear21°18Partly cloudy20°
Monday, Oct 12Peak UV 7 at 13:00Sun protection: 10:00–17:0024° / 9°
6Mainly clear9°9Clear sky13°12Clear sky19°15Mainly clear23°18Clear sky22°

Peak midday UV by month in Queenstown

It's October: on clear days, the midday sun here usually peaks around UV 4–7. That's strong enough that your skin needs protection in the middle of the day.

Over the year, the sun is strongest in December–January (up to UV 12 on clear days) and weakest in June–July (around 1 at midday). Treat these numbers as the most sun you should expect around noon: clouds typically lower the real value, while reflections from snow, sand or water can add to the UV your skin actually receives. Today's actual UV is in the forecast above.

368119–12Jan7–11Feb4–8Mar2–5Apr1–2May1Jun1Jul1–3Aug2–5Sep4–7Oct6–10Nov9–12Dec

Each bar shows the range the midday UV index moves through on clear days in that month, from the gentlest days up to what the strongest days typically reach, based on 17 years of satellite data (2004–2020). The small light line inside a bar is an ordinary day's midday level.

Based on TEMIS data. Copyright © KNMI/ESA — https://www.temis.nl/

In October the strong sun is in the southern hemisphere: UV reaches high levels across most of it, while the northern hemisphere outside the tropics has its mild season.

See the world map for October →

The UV year at a glance

Strongest sunDec–Jan · up to 12
Weakest sunJun–Jul · up to 1
Protection needed (UV 3+)Aug–Apr
Extra protection (UV 8+)Nov–Mar

Months when the midday sun gets strong enough to need protection. Based on clear days; clouds typically lower UV.

UV in Queenstown: today, tomorrow and through the year

Right now Queenstown is at UV 0 (low), with the day's high of 5 (moderate) due around 13:00, so sun protection pays off from 11:00 to 17:00. Patchy cloud is holding the peak down a little, against UV 7 under clear skies.Tomorrow follows the same pattern: a peak of UV 5 (moderate) around 12:00, with protection needed between 10:00 and 17:00.From October onwards UV in Queenstown keeps building, heading towards the yearly high over the months to come.

Location, daylight and sky in Queenstown

Key facts

CountryNew Zealand, Otago
TimezonePacific/Auckland (UTC+13)
Coordinates45.03° S, 168.66° E
Elevation318 m
Population≈ 10.4K
Air pressurebarometer.today

Sun & Daylight Hours in Queenstown

Sunrise / sunset07:02 / 20:02
Daylight today13h 00m
Daylight tomorrow13h 02m (+2 min)
Solar noon (sun highest)13:32
Golden hour19:23–20:21
Low UV hours (UV < 3)07:00–11:00
17:00–20:00
High UV window (UV ≥ 3)11:00–17:00

Seasonal daylight range at this latitude

Longest day15h 37m (Dec 21)
Shortest day8h 46m (Jun 21)

UV index map for Queenstown and nearby cities

This map shows the current UV forecast for Queenstown and the area around it. One forecast value covers a region of roughly 40 km, so it is a good guide for the area as a whole rather than an exact reading for one spot. In places with big height differences, or where the ground is covered by snow, the real UV can differ from what the map shows.

Check UV in: Tauranga · Wellington · Christchurch · Dunedin · North Shore

Air quality concerns? Check air quality in Queenstown on AirIndex.Today

What is the UV index in Queenstown right now?

As of 02:00 local time, the UV index in Queenstown is 0 (Low). UV changes hour by hour. See the hourly chart above for how it rises and falls today.

What is the UV index in Queenstown today?

On 2026-10-09, the peak UV index forecast for Queenstown is 5, expected around 13:00 local time. Check back daily: UV levels change with cloud cover, ozone, and sun angle.

What is the UV index in Queenstown tomorrow?

On 2026-10-10, the UV index in Queenstown is forecast to peak at 5 around 12:00 local time. Plan outdoor activities and sun protection around that peak.

What are typical maximum UV levels in Queenstown by month?

Peak midday UV index in Queenstown, month by month
MonthPeak midday UV
January9–12
February7–11
March4–8
April2–5
May1–2
June1
July1
August1–3
September2–5
October4–7
November6–10
December9–12
The weakest sun is in June and July, when midday UV stays around 1. From there it climbs: August (1–3), September (2–5), October (4–7), and November (6–10). The strongest sun is in December and January, reaching 9–12 on clear days. It eases back through February (7–11), March (4–8), April (2–5), and May (1–2).Clear-sky range, 17 years of satellite data (2004–2020). On cloudy days values are typically lower.

How strong is UV in Queenstown in October?

In a typical October, the midday UV index in Queenstown reaches 4–7 on clear days, based on 17 years of satellite data (2004–2020). Cloudy days typically run lower. Check the live forecast for today's value.

Which months have the highest UV in Queenstown?

UV in Queenstown is highest in December–January, when the midday index reaches up to 12 on clear days. The weakest sun is in June–July, around 1 at midday.

When do you need sun protection in Queenstown?

In August–April, the midday sun in Queenstown regularly reaches UV 3 or higher, the level at which the WHO recommends protection (shade, clothing, sunscreen). In November–March it can reach UV 8 or more, when the WHO advises extra protection: avoid the midday sun and cover up.

Forecast · UV Index

Now
UV 0 (Low)
Max today
UV 4.9 · 13:00
Max tomorrow
UV 4.6 · 12:00
Clear sky
UV 6.7
Sunrise / Sunset
07:02 / 20:02
High UV window (UV ≥ 3)
11:00–17:00
4-Day UV Forecast
Fri 4.9 · Sat 4.6 · Sun 5.7 · Mon 7.3

UV guides

Read all guides →
About the UV Index

What is the UV index?

The UV index (UVI) is an international standard measure of the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun at a particular place and time. It ranges from 0 (nighttime) to 11+ (extreme). Higher values mean greater risk of sunburn, skin damage, and eye injury. The UV index was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to help people protect themselves from harmful UV radiation.

How do I check the UV index today?

This page shows the live UV index for your location using data from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS). You get the current UV level, an hourly UV forecast chart for today and tomorrow, and the exact peak UV time — so you always know when sun protection is most important.

When is UV radiation strongest?

UV radiation is typically strongest between 10:00 and 16:00, when the sun is highest in the sky. However, the exact peak time and intensity depend on your latitude, the season, altitude, cloud cover, and ozone levels. Check the UV forecast chart above to see today's exact peak time for your location.

How can I protect myself from UV radiation?

Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, seek shade during peak UV hours, and wear UV-blocking sunglasses. The WHO recommends sun protection when the UV index is 3 or above.

Where does the UV data come from?

The hourly UV index on this site comes from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), operated by ECMWF on behalf of the European Union. CAMS calculates the UV biologically effective dose using total column ozone, aerosol optical depth, and cloud cover. The global forecast has a spatial resolution of approximately 40 km and provides hourly UV index values for up to 5 days ahead.

What does "clear-sky UV index" mean?

The clear-sky UV index shows how strong ultraviolet radiation would be if there were no clouds at all. It is calculated using the same atmospheric data — ozone column thickness, aerosol concentrations, and solar angle — but assumes completely cloudless conditions. Comparing the actual UV index with the clear-sky value shows how much clouds are reducing UV exposure at any given time. On overcast days, actual UV can be significantly lower than the clear-sky value.

How often is the UV forecast updated?

The CAMS global UV forecast is updated twice daily, based on model runs initialized at 00:00 and 12:00 UTC. Weather data such as temperature, cloud cover, and sunrise/sunset times is updated every 1–6 hours depending on the region, using weather models from national meteorological services via Open-Meteo. The first 1–2 days of the forecast are typically the most accurate.

What does the WHO recommend for each UV level?

Low (0–2) — No protection needed. You can safely enjoy being outside
Moderate (3–5) — Seek shade during midday hours. Wear a shirt, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and put on a hat. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses
High (6–7) — Seek shade during midday hours. Wear a shirt, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and put on a hat. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses
Very High (8–10) — Avoid being outside during midday hours. Make sure you seek shade. Shirt, broad-spectrum sunscreen and hat are a must
Extreme (11+) — Avoid being outside during midday hours. Make sure you seek shade. Shirt, broad-spectrum sunscreen and hat are a must

Source: WHO Global Solar UV Index, 2002

uvi·today

Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. UV index data and sun protection guidance are approximate and should not replace professional advice. UV index data is not applicable to infants under 12 months. The WHO recommends keeping them out of direct sunlight at all times. WHO. UV forecasts are based on satellite and atmospheric models. Actual UV levels may vary due to local cloud cover, surface reflection, altitude, and other environmental factors. When in doubt, consult a healthcare provider for personalized sun protection advice. UV and weather data is sourced from third-party APIs (Open-Meteo/CAMS). We do not guarantee accuracy or availability. Data may be delayed or temporarily unavailable.

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UV & weather data: Open-Meteo (CAMS/Copernicus) · Protection guidelines: WHO Global Solar UV Index, 2002 · Location data: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0) · IP2Location LITE · Yr / NRK (CC BY 4.0) · Twemoji (CC BY 4.0)

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