Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Kihoku-cho, Japan, as it directly impacts skin health and sunburn prevention. With a climate characterized by mild, humid summers typical of the Cfa zone, Kihoku-cho faces significant UV exposure, particularly during peak hours. From 11 AM to 1 PM, the UV Index can reach a staggering 12, signaling extreme risk for harmful effects from the sun. Being aware of UV levels helps unlock strategies to protect your skin and enjoy the outdoors safely, making it essential to stay informed in this picturesque region.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index climbs steadily, peaking at a striking 12 around noon, signaling a high risk for skin damage without protection. Early risers at 07:00 encounter a mild 2, but the intensity increases quickly, reaching 9 by 10:00 and a critical 11 by 11:00. From 12:00 to 13:00, the index holds its highest point at 12, making it essential to seek shade or apply sunscreen. After 13:00, the UV levels gradually decrease, dropping back to a manageable 4 by 16:00 and winding down to a safe 1 by 18:00. This hourly data serves as a reminder to take sun safety precautions, especially during peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest levels observed from March to September, indicating a seasonal increase in UV radiation. During this period, visitors and residents should be particularly cautious, as the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 12, especially from May to August, with a burn time as brief as 10 minutes. Even in October and November, the UV Index remains elevated, categorized as very high and high, respectively. To ensure safety, it's advisable to wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade during peak sun hours, particularly in high-risk months from April to September. As the year progresses, individuals can take advantage of the lower UV indices from December to February, when burn times increase to 30 and 25 minutes, making sun safety less critical but still important.
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 |
| 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 |
| Kihoku-cho | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |