Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Kuromatsunai, Japan, where the climate falls within the Dfb zone. With peaks reaching a UV Index of 9 during midday hours, awareness of UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and promoting skin health. This small mountain town values outdoor activities but faces significant exposure risks, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the sun's rays are most intense. By staying informed about UV levels, locals can better protect themselves and enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a blistering 9. The day starts gently, with 07:00 AM registering a modest 2, but by 09:00 AM, it climbs to a moderate 6. The intensity escalates, hitting 8 at 10:00 AM and reaching its zenith shortly after noon. After this peak, the index gradually dips, easing down to 6 by 2:00 PM, before falling further to 4 at 3:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV radiation wanes significantly, dropping to 2 by 4:00 PM and near zero after sunset, signaling a shift in the skies. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk throughout the year. The high-risk months are primarily from May to September, where the UV Index peaks at 10, falling within the very high exposure category, necessitating a burn time of just 15 minutes. In contrast, January and December experience low UV levels with an index of 2, allowing for a safer burn time of 45 minutes. Residents and visitors should take extra precautions during the high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize their risk of skin damage. In the cooler months, while the risk is lower, remaining vigilant is still advised to ensure overall skin health.
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 |
| Kuromatsunai | 2 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 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 |