Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Shosanbetsu, Japan, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and health. Understanding UV levels helps you avoid sunburn and reduces the risk of long-term skin damage, making this knowledge crucial during the warmer months. With a Dfb climate, Shosanbetsu experiences significant UV exposure, particularly around midday when the index peaks at 8. This highlights the importance of taking precautions from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, ensuring you enjoy the sun safely while minimizing potential harm. Remember to check the UV Index and take necessary measures for your skin's health!
The UV Index shows a dynamic shift throughout the day, starting with a gentle maximum of 3 at 7:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, we see a gradual increase, peaking at a notable 8 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. This is prime time to seek shade or apply sunscreen, as the intensity of UV rays can lead to sunburn in no time. By the early afternoon, the index starts to decline, dipping to 6 at 2:00 PM, then further to 4 by 3:00 PM. After that, a steady drop occurs, plunging to a safe 0 by 7:00 PM. It’s crucial to stay vigilant during those peak hours to protect your skin!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
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 |