Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Misawa, Japan is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. With a climate that leans towards the cool oceanic (Cfb), Misawa experiences significant UV exposure, especially during peak hours between 10 AM and 2 PM when the index can soar as high as 10. Being aware of UV levels empowers residents and visitors alike to protect their skin effectively, ensuring that outdoor activities are safe and enjoyable. Don't underestimate the power of the sun—knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in enjoying Misawa's beautiful, sunny days!
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 |
During the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring in summer months. From April to August, the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels, peaking at 11 in August, where the recommended burn time is as little as 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are April through August, necessitating extra precautions for both visitors and residents. To protect against harmful effects, individuals should wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen generously, and seek shade during peak sun hours. In contrast, January and December present lower UV indices, categorizing exposure as low, with longer burn times of up to 45 minutes. Staying informed about these changes can help ensure safe time spent outdoors throughout the year.
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 |
| Misawa | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 8 | 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 |