Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Shimodate, Japan, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting yourself and your family from harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels is essential to prevent sunburn and maintain optimal skin health, especially during those peak hours when the index soars to a maximum of 11 around noon. With a Cfa climate, Shimodate experiences warm summers and moderate UV risks that can lead to skin damage if precautions are not taken. Stay informed and safeguard your skin by knowing when to seek shade or don protective clothing!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index reaches its peak during midday, providing an insightful glimpse into the sun's intensity. Starting from a modest 2 at 7:00 AM, the index climbs steadily, hitting 4 by 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it escalates dramatically to 7, before soaring to its maximum of 11 at both 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels begin to ease, decreasing to 10 at 1:00 PM, then drifting down to 7 by 2:00 PM, and further to 5 at 3:00 PM. The descent continues into the evening, with the index dropping to 3 at 4:00 PM and tapering off to 1 by 5:00 PM, before settling at 0 by 7:00 PM. This data serves as a reminder to stay sun-safe, particularly 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 | 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 | 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 |
The seasonal changes in UV Index reveal significant variations throughout the year, with the highest levels occurring in the summer months. March marks the transition into the high-risk category with a UV Index of 7, and by April and May, it escalates to 9 and 10 respectively, indicating very high levels of UV radiation. July reaches its peak at an extreme level of 11, posing the highest risk for skin damage with a burn time of only 10 minutes. Post-summer in August and September, UV levels remain notably high, while October drops to a high level of 6, still warranting caution. January, February, November, and December exhibit moderate UV levels, with burn times allowing for more extended exposure without burns. For both visitors and residents, it is vital to take protective measures during the high-risk months of March to September, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize UV exposure.
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 |
| Shimodate | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 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 |