Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Rikuzentakata, Japan, where the climate often presents significant sun exposure risks. The UV Index measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, helping you gauge how to protect your skin from harmful effects like sunburn and long-term health issues. With peak UV levels reaching 9 around midday, it’s essential to take precautions to maintain your skin health—especially in this Cfa climate that supports warm summers and ample sunshine. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin against potential damage.
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 |
| Rikuzentakata | 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 |