Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents and visitors of Hakodate, Japan, where the climate oscillates between cool and warm temperatures typical of a Dfb zone. Being aware of daily UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health, especially as UV radiation peaks during the late morning and early afternoon. With the UV Index in Hakodate reaching a high of 10 at noon, it’s essential to take protective measures when outdoors to safeguard against potential skin damage. Embrace the sun responsibly while enjoying Hakodate's stunning landscapes, but remember to check the UV Index regularly!
The UV Index today starts at a modest 3 at 7:00 AM, suggesting a gentle introduction to sunlight. As the day progresses, it rises sharply, peaking at an intense 10 during the 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM window. This means it’s crucial to protect your skin at this time! Following its midday zenith, the UV Index begins to decline, gently falling to 1 by 5:00 PM, and remaining low for the evening. If you're planning outdoor activities, aim for mid-morning as the sun reaches its highest intensity, but don’t forget your sunscreen!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | 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, UV index levels fluctuate significantly, indicating varying risks for sun exposure. January and December see low UV levels (Index 2), with extended burn times of 45 minutes, making sun safety less of a concern. In contrast, April to August marks a critical period with very high to extreme UV levels (Indexes 8 to 11) that dramatically decrease safe burn times to 15 minutes in April to July and just 10 minutes in August. May and June particularly stand out as high-risk months. As summer transitions into early fall, UV levels moderately decline but remain a risk with levels still at 8 in September, requiring continued vigilance. For optimal sun safety, visitors and residents are advised to monitor the UV index, especially during the high-risk months of April to August, adopting protective measures such as sunscreen, clothing, and shade to mitigate exposure.
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 |
| Hakodate | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 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 |