Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Kitami, Japan—a city situated in the Dfb climate zone, where seasonal changes bring unique UV exposure challenges. With peak UV levels reaching 10 during midday hours, awareness is essential to protect your skin from harmful sunburns and long-term health issues. By grasping the significance of UV levels, you can take proactive measures for your skin health, ensuring you enjoy the sunny days in Kitami while safeguarding against potential damage. From spring to autumn, be mindful of the UV risks in your outdoor activities, especially when basking in the sun’s rays!
As the sun rises, the UV Index steadily climbs, peaking at an impressive 10 between 11:00 and 12:00, signaling intense solar exposure. Starting at a mild 3 at 07:00, it quickly ramps up, reaching 7 by 09:00 and hitting 9 by 10:00. The intensity remains strong until 14:00, where it begins to taper off to 6 and then drops further to 4 and 2 in the late afternoon. As evening approaches, the UV Index dwindles to 1 by 17:00 and finally falls to 0 after 19:00. Stay protected during the peak hours, especially between 11:00 and 14:00, to enjoy the sunny day safely!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, with high-risk months typically occurring from April to September, showcasing an index peaking at 10 in July. During these months, particularly in May through August, the exposure category is rated as very high with a burn time of just 15 minutes, signaling the need for heightened sun protection. Visitors and residents should be vigilant during this period, applying sunscreen regularly, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. The index decreases in winter months, reaching a low of 2 in January and December, where protective measures can be relaxed, but moderation remains advisable to avoid any prolonged exposure even during low UV levels. Always check the local UV Index before heading outdoors, as conditions can change rapidly.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kitami | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |