Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Akita, Japan is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. The UV Index measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, providing critical information that helps residents and visitors alike take preventative measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. In Akita's humid continental climate, typical summer days can see UV levels soar to 10 during peak hours, making it crucial to be aware of the risks associated with sun exposure. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb steadily. At 7:00 AM, it registers a mild level of 2, but by 8:00 AM, it escalates to 4, indicating the start of a more intense sun exposure. The peak occurs at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where it reaches a soaring 10, alerting everyone to take necessary precautions. After midday, the intensity starts to wane: it gently drops to 9 at 1:00 PM and gradually decreases to 5 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon fades into evening, the UV Index dwindles to 3 at 4:00 PM and finally settles at 1 by 5:00 PM, bringing a close to the day's sun exposure risks. As night approaches, the UV Index drops to 0 after 7:00 PM, signifying a safe respite from the sun’s harsh rays.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |