Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Kitakami, Japan—a city known for its beautiful seasons and vibrant outdoor lifestyle. With UV levels peaking at 9 during the midday hours, awareness of these fluctuations is crucial for sunburn prevention and overall skin health. The Cfa climate here brings varied sunshine, especially in warmer months, posing potential risks for increased UV exposure. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can protect your skin and enjoy the sunny outdoors safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a blistering 9. The day starts gently, with 07:00 AM registering a modest 2, but by 09:00 AM, it climbs to a moderate 6. The intensity escalates, hitting 8 at 10:00 AM and reaching its zenith shortly after noon. After this peak, the index gradually dips, easing down to 6 by 2:00 PM, before falling further to 4 at 3:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV radiation wanes significantly, dropping to 2 by 4:00 PM and near zero after sunset, signaling a shift in the skies. Remember to protect your skin 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 | 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 | 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 demonstrates significant seasonal variation, impacting sun safety for residents and visitors. With moderate exposure levels in January and February (UV Index 3-4), individuals can safely enjoy outdoor activities with a burn time of 30 minutes. As we move into March, the UV Index reaches a high level of 6, reducing burn time to 25 minutes, and continues to escalate through April and May, where it peaks at very high levels of 9, necessitating a burn time of just 15 minutes. The extreme risk months of July and August, with a UV Index of 11, emphasize the need for heightened sun protection, allowing only 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. The UV Index decreases again in September to 9, remains at 6 in October, and returns to moderate levels in November and December. To ensure safety, visitors and residents should adopt protective measures—such as sunscreen and clothing—during the high-risk months of April through August, particularly on the most intense days when UV levels peak.
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 |
| Kitakami | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 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 |