Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Rikuzentakata, Japan, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With UV levels peaking at 10 around midday, understanding these fluctuations helps residents and visitors alike prevent sunburn and reduce long-term skin damage. Located in a Cfa climate zone, Rikuzentakata experiences varying UV exposure throughout the day, making it essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions, especially during peak hours when the risk of harmful effects is highest. Embrace the beauty of sunshine while prioritizing your skin's health!
During the day, the UV Index experiences a dynamic shift, peaking in the late morning. Starting at 3 at 07:00, it escalates to reach a high of 10 by 11:00 and remains there until 12:00. As afternoon approaches, the index gradually declines, dropping back to 9 by 13:00, then to 7 at 14:00. By the mid to late afternoon, it continues its descent, falling to 5 at 15:00 and further down to 3 by 16:00. In the evening, the index diminishes significantly, plummeting to 1 at both 17:00 and 18:00, and finally reaching 0 by 19:00. This pattern highlights the importance of sun protection during the peak hours of 10:00 to 12:00 when the UV radiation is most intense.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 |