Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Date, Japan, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you make informed decisions about sun protection, significantly reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a Dfb climate, Date experiences a distinct seasonal variation in UV exposure, peaking at an intense UV Index of 10 around noon. This means that even on seemingly mild days, it’s essential to stay vigilant, especially during mid-day hours when the sun's rays can be particularly strong. Stay informed and ensure your time outdoors is both enjoyable and safe!
The UV Index (UVI) throughout the day exhibits a significant rise, peaking at 10 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Starting from a mild 3 at 7:00 AM, the UVI escalates as the sun climbs, reaching 5 by 8:00 AM and 7 by 9:00 AM. The intensity continues to increase dramatically, hitting 9 by 10:00 AM. After noon, the UVI begins to decline, dropping to 9 at 1:00 PM and further to 7 by 2:00 PM. The afternoon sees a gentle decline to 5 at 3:00 PM, slipping further to 3 by 4:00 PM. As dusk approaches, the UVI stabilizes at a low 1 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, indicating minimal sun exposure risk. Outdoor enthusiasts should plan activities with peak hours in mind to ensure safety and enjoyment under the sun.
| 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variations that highlight the importance of sun safety. From January to March, the UV levels are generally low to moderate, with burn times ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, April marks the start of high-risk months, peaking with May and August, where the UV Index reaches a very high level of 9 and 10, drastically reducing safe sun exposure to just 15 minutes. Following these months, September and October maintain elevated UV levels before returning to more moderate levels in November and December. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions during high-risk months (April through September) by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Date | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 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 |