Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Ofunato, Japan, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. The UV Index indicates the strength of sun's ultraviolet rays, which can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a climate classified as Cfb, Ofunato experiences varying levels of UV exposure throughout the year, peaking during midday hours. On sunny days, UV Index readings can reach as high as 9, suggesting that even short periods of unprotected sun exposure can increase the risk of harm. By staying informed about UV levels, residents and visitors can take proactive steps to safeguard their skin while enjoying the beautiful outdoor environment of Ofunato.
Throughout the day, the UV Index begins its ascent at 07:00 with a moderate reading of 3, but by 10:00, it peaks at an impressive 9, signaling that sun protection is crucial. The intensity remains high from 11:00 to 12:00, sustaining another peak of 9 before slowly declining throughout the afternoon. By 14:00, the index drops to 6, transitioning to a gentler level as it moves toward the evening. As the sun sets, the index dwindles to 1 by 17:00 and reaches a comfortable 0 by 19:00. It’s a dynamic day of sun exposure, making the mid-morning to early afternoon the perfect time to stay vigilant about UV protection!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index levels, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk throughout the year. From January to February, the UV Index remains moderate (3 to 4), with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, March marks the beginning of high-risk months, as the index rises to 6 (high) with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. April sees a significant jump to 8 (very high), while May peaks at 9, both months requiring protective measures within 15 minutes of sun exposure. The summer months of June and July are especially concerning, with June reaching an extreme UV Index of 11 and July at 10, where a brief 10 to 15 minutes can lead to burns. Throughout August and September, the index remains high (10 and 9 respectively), before declining in October to a more manageable 6 (high) and returning to moderate levels in November and December. Visitors and residents alike should exercise caution, especially during the late spring and summer months, by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize UV damage.
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 |
| Ofunato | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 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 |