Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Echizen, Japan, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors alike to safeguard their health against harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for maintaining long-term skin health. As a city located in a Cfa climate zone, Echizen experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during peak afternoon hours when the index reaches a maximum of 11. This makes it imperative to take protective measures, ensuring you enjoy the vibrant outdoor lifestyle while minimizing skin damage. Stay informed, stay protected!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mild 2 by 07:00. It steadily escalates, reaching 4 at 08:00, and then surges to a peak of 11 between 11:00 and 12:00—this is when the sun is most intense. Vigilance is essential during these hours, as the risk of skin damage increases significantly. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels gradually decline; 10 at 13:00, followed by a decrease to 8 at 14:00, a more manageable 6 at 15:00, and finally tapering off to 3 by 16:00. By 17:00, the index drops to 2, and the evening settles in with a minimal 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. It's a day of high UV exposure, urging outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions during peak hours.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variations, peaking during the summer months. High-risk months for UV exposure are from May to August, when the UV Index consistently reaches levels categorized as extreme (11), indicating a burn time as short as 10 minutes. March and April also present high risks with very high indexes (8 and 10), where the burn time drops to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of skin damage. As fall approaches, the risk decreases, with October seeing a high category (UV Index 7) but burn times lengthening to 25 minutes.
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 |
| Echizen | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Osaka UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |