Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Shosanbetsu, Japan, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the warmer months when UV levels can peak dramatically. Understanding these UV levels can help residents and visitors alike protect themselves from harmful sun exposure, particularly in a climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers like Shosanbetsu's Dfb zone. With maximum UV readings climbing to 9 around midday, it's essential to stay informed about daily UV risks and take appropriate sun safety measures to ensure a healthy outdoor experience.
The UV Index today shows a dynamic journey through the hours, peaking impressively at 9 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, signaling a high level of sun exposure. Starting the day at 3 at 07:00 AM, it steadily climbs to 6 by 09:00 AM and reaches its zenith at 10:00 AM with an 8. As the sun moves across the sky, it maintains a strong presence, remaining at 9 during the late morning before gradually descending to 4 by 03:00 PM. The decline continues into the late afternoon, dropping to 1 by 17:00 PM until sunset. It's essential to take precautions during the peak hours to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 | 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, the UV Index experiences notable seasonal variations. January and December mark the lowest UV levels, categorized as low, with a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches, both February and March see an increase to moderate levels, indicating a burn time of 30 minutes. The UV Index peaks in the summer months of May through August, reaching very high levels (UV Index 8-9) with a significantly reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. As autumn sets in, September returns to a high exposure category, allowing for a 25-minute burn time, while October and November shift back to moderate. Given these fluctuations, it’s crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions during the high-risk months of May through August, including seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen to prevent skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shosanbetsu | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 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 |