Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Otsuchi, Japan, as it provides essential information about daily sun exposure. With UV levels peaking at 9 during midday, awareness can help prevent sunburn and contribute significantly to long-term skin health. Otsuchi, characterized by its Cfb climate, presents unique sunlight challenges, particularly in summer months when UV radiation is at its highest. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index climbs steadily throughout the morning, starting at a manageable 3 at 07:00 and surging to a peak of 9 between 10:00 and 12:00. During these hours, sun protection is crucial as the intensity remains high, ideal for outdoor activities if precautions are taken. As the afternoon sets in, the index begins to decline, dropping to 8 by 13:00, and then tapering off to 6 at 14:00. By the afternoon, the risks lessen significantly, with readings falling to 4 at 15:00, and a gentle decline continues into the evening, reaching 1 by 17:00 and finally settling at 0 after 19:00. This pattern emphasizes the importance of maximizing sun safety during the midday hours, where the sun's rays are at their strongest.
| 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 | 9 | 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 |
| Otsuchi | 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 |