Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for everyone in Komatsu, Japan, where the Cfa climate brings varied sunlight exposure throughout the year. Awareness of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health, especially during the peak hours when the UV Index can soar to a maximum of 11 around midday. With typical risks associated with high UV exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, residents and visitors alike should stay informed to effectively protect themselves while enjoying the beautiful outdoors of Komatsu.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mild 2 by 07:00. It steadily escalates, reaching 4 at 08:00, and then surges to a peak of 11 between 11:00 and 12:00—this is when the sun is most intense. Vigilance is essential during these hours, as the risk of skin damage increases significantly. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels gradually decline; 10 at 13:00, followed by a decrease to 8 at 14:00, a more manageable 6 at 15:00, and finally tapering off to 3 by 16:00. By 17:00, the index drops to 2, and the evening settles in with a minimal 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. It's a day of high UV exposure, urging outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions during peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking from March to August. During this period, particularly in June, July, and August, the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 11, indicating a burn time of only 10 minutes. March and April also present high risks with UV indexes of 8 and 10 respectively, categorized as very high. Conversely, January, February, November, and December see moderate levels, with burn times of around 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions, especially during the high-risk months of March through September, such as wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure and potential sunburn.
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 |
| Komatsu | 4 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 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 |