Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Shimo-furano, Japan, where the climate can lead to varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day. As a location characterized by its Dfb climate, Shimo-furano experiences significant daylight hours, particularly in the summer months, making it essential to monitor UV levels to prevent sunburn and maintain skin health. With peak UV Index values reaching 10 around noon, being aware of these levels can help you plan your outdoor activities wisely, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful surroundings while protecting yourself from harmful effects of UV radiation.
During the day, the UV Index experiences a dynamic shift, peaking in the late morning. Starting at 3 at 07:00, it escalates to reach a high of 10 by 11:00 and remains there until 12:00. As afternoon approaches, the index gradually declines, dropping back to 9 by 13:00, then to 7 at 14:00. By the mid to late afternoon, it continues its descent, falling to 5 at 15:00 and further down to 3 by 16:00. In the evening, the index diminishes significantly, plummeting to 1 at both 17:00 and 18:00, and finally reaching 0 by 19:00. This pattern highlights the importance of sun protection during the peak hours of 10:00 to 12:00 when the UV radiation is most intense.
| 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 | 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 |
| Shimo-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 |