Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Ibusuki, Japan, as it plays a vital role in sunburn prevention and overall skin health. With a humid subtropical climate, Ibusuki experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during the midday hours when the index can peak at a striking 12. Awareness of the UV levels throughout the day—increasing from 2 in the early morning to a maximum of 12 at noon—is essential for effectively protecting yourself against harmful rays. Knowing the UV Index helps you make informed decisions about sun protection, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful sun while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
The UV Index begins its rise at 7:00 AM with a low of 2, gradually climbing to a moderate 3 by 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches 6, but it's at 10:00 AM when the sun truly bears down, peaking at a high of 9. The intensity continues to soar, hitting a maximum of 12 at 12:00 PM, making it the most UV-active hour of the day. From there, it subtly declines, dropping back to 11 at 1:00 PM, and 9 at 2:00 PM. The afternoon brings relief as the index falls to 6 by 3:00 PM and continues to decrease, settling at 4 by 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index dips to 2 by 5:00 PM and further to a safe 1 by 6:00 PM and stays consistent through 7:00 PM. Stay sun-smart and avoid peak UV hours for your skin's safety!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences notable fluctuations, influencing the risk of UV exposure for both visitors and residents. January sees a moderate UV Index of 5, increasing through February with a high index of 7. The real concern peaks from March to September, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels, topping at 13 in August. This period marks high-risk months for sunburn, with burn times decreasing to just 10 minutes in the summer months. As the year progresses, the UV Index gradually declines, with October and November still presenting high risks, though slightly reduced at 8 and 7, respectively. To protect oneself, it is crucial to wear sunscreen, seek shade, and wear protective clothing during peak UV periods, particularly in the summer months from March through September.
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 |
| 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 |
| Ibusuki | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 7 | 5 |