Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Akita, Japan, as it plays a vital role in protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's humid subtropical climate (Cfa), Akita experiences varying UV exposure throughout the year, peaking during the midday hours when UV levels can soar to a maximum of 10 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Awareness of these UV levels not only helps individuals plan their outdoor activities but also encourages the use of protective measures, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Akita while minimizing the risk of skin damage.
During the day, the UV Index experiences a dynamic shift, peaking in the late morning. Starting at 3 at 07:00, it escalates to reach a high of 10 by 11:00 and remains there until 12:00. As afternoon approaches, the index gradually declines, dropping back to 9 by 13:00, then to 7 at 14:00. By the mid to late afternoon, it continues its descent, falling to 5 at 15:00 and further down to 3 by 16:00. In the evening, the index diminishes significantly, plummeting to 1 at both 17:00 and 18:00, and finally reaching 0 by 19:00. This pattern highlights the importance of sun protection during the peak hours of 10:00 to 12:00 when the UV radiation is most intense.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits notable seasonal fluctuations, with higher values indicating greater risk of skin damage from sun exposure. March marks the beginning of high UV exposure with an index rising to 6, designating it as a high-risk month. This trend peaks in August with an extreme UV Index of 11, highlighting the highest risk period for sunburn. April to September remains critical, with indices frequently at or above 8, suggesting burn times as short as 10 minutes in the peak months of June and July. To protect against harmful UV radiation, visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety during these months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen. Conversely, during December, the UV Index drops to a low level of 2, offering a safer environment for outdoor activities without intense sun protection needs. Always stay vigilant about UV levels, especially when planning outdoor activities between March and September.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sapporo UVI | 2 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Akita | 3 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Yokohama UVI | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Tokyo UVI | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Nagoya UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Osaka UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |