Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Furano, Japan, particularly given the region's distinct Dfb climate. With fluctuating UV levels, recognizing when the sun's rays are at their strongest can be key to preventing sunburn and protecting your long-term skin health. During the peak hours around midday, UV Index readings can reach as high as 10, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Being aware of these levels helps you take the necessary precautions to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while minimizing your risk. Stay informed, stay protected, and make the most of Furano's stunning landscapes!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index reflects the sun's intensity, peaking at 10 around 11:00 AM, indicating a high level of solar radiation. Early risers will notice a moderate 3 at 7:00 AM, gradually escalating to a 7 by 9:00 AM. The sunlight grows increasingly intense, reaching its zenith at 10:00 AM, where it strikes at 9 before hitting its maximum. After noon, the UV exposure starts to wane, with values dropping to 8 at 1:00 PM, then steadily decreasing to 5 by 3:00 PM. As the sun begins to set, the index falls sharply to 1 at 5:00 PM and remains low, ultimately dipping to 0 by 7:00 PM. For optimal safety, it’s wise to seek shade and wear sunscreen during the peak hours of 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, reflecting shifts in seasonal sun exposure. January and December see low UV levels (Index 2), with burn times of 45 minutes, indicating minimal risk. As spring approaches, February (Index 3) and March (Index 6) signal moderate to high exposure risk, shortening burn times to 30 and 25 minutes respectively. The risk escalates dramatically in May through August, where UV Index values peak at 10, categorizing the exposure as very high, and reducing safe burn time to just 15 minutes. September remains high at 8, marking it as a continuation of the peak summer risk, after which the index drops to 6 in October and returns to moderate in November. For both residents and visitors, it is crucial to take precautions during the high-risk months of March to September, utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially when the UV Index is significant.
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 |
| Furano | 2 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 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 |