Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Kitaibaraki, Japan, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin from harmful sun exposure. With UV levels peaking at 11 during midday, understanding these readings can help you prevent sunburns and maintain long-term skin health. The climate in Kitaibaraki, categorized as Cfa, brings warm summers and considerable UV exposure risks, especially during peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM. By monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny days while protecting yourself and your loved ones from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays.
The UV Index (UVI) exhibits a notable pattern throughout the day. Starting at 2 at 7:00 AM, it gradually rises, peaking at 11 by noon and 1:00 PM. This high level of UV exposure indicates that sun protection is essential during these hours. As the afternoon progresses, the UVI begins to dip, dropping to 7 by 2:00 PM and then declining further to 5 by 3:00 PM. By late afternoon, the sunlight's intensity reduces significantly, with the UVI falling to 1 by 5:00 PM and remaining minimal through 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of taking precautions during peak hours while enjoying the outdoors.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | 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, UV Index values experience significant seasonal changes, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. January and December have moderate UV Indexes (3), suggesting a safer exposure time of 30 minutes. As we move into February and November, the UV Index rises to 5, still moderate, but caution is warranted with a similar burn time. From March to October, the UV Index escalates, reaching its peak between July and August at an extreme level of 11, where only a mere 10 minutes of exposure can lead to burns. April and May also present very high risk with indexes of 9 and 10, respectively, offering 15 minutes of allowed exposure. The fall months, including September with a UV Index of 9, still require vigilance. Visitors and residents are urged to take necessary precautions during high-risk months—especially from March through August—to protect their skin, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly.
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 |
| Kitaibaraki | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 3 |
| 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 |