January marks the height of New Zealand’s UV season. Even on cooler or windy days, UV levels can reach “extreme” on the UV index.

Why UV Is Higher in January

• The sun is directly overhead
• Clearer skies
• Reflective surfaces like water and sand
• More time spent outdoors

How to Stay Safe

Daily SPF, protective clothing, shade, reapplying sunscreen, and monitoring your skin are key. Near-window UV exposure also matters as UV can penetrate glass.

Small protective habits during January have a big impact on long-term skin health.