Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Sawara, Japan, awareness of the UV Index is vital for safeguarding your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health, especially in this region's climate—classified as humid subtropical (Cfa)—where summer days can lead to elevated UV exposure. With mid-day UV Index values soaring to a peak of 10, residents and visitors alike should stay informed and take proactive measures to enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely while minimizing the risk of skin damage.
In the morning, the UV Index starts off relatively low, peaking at 3 by 7 AM. As the day progresses, it steadily climbs, reaching a notable high of 10 at both 11 AM and 12 PM—this is the time to be cautious! The index then begins to dip and falls back to a moderate level of 4 by 3 PM, before dwindling to 1 by 5 PM, and finally settling at 0 by 7 PM. For those enjoying outdoor activities, it’s essential to stay sun-smart during the mid-day hours when UV radiation is at its peak!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 experiences significant seasonal changes, with January and December presenting the lowest levels (UV Index 3) and the summer months of June and July reaching peak levels (UV Index 11), categorized as extreme. April and May also have very high readings (UV Index 9-10), indicating a gradual increase in risk as spring progresses into summer. March, August, and September maintain a high risk for UV exposure (UV Index 7-9). Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions from March through October, especially during the extreme months of June and July, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly, as burn times decrease significantly to as little as 10 minutes during peak UV periods.
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 |
| Sawara | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| 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 |