Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Sukumo, Japan, as it plays a significant role in protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. With a climate classified as Cfa, Sukumo experiences warm summers, which can lead to elevated UV exposure, particularly during midday hours. When the UV Index peaks at 12 around noon, awareness of these levels becomes essential to safely enjoy outdoor activities while minimizing the risk of skin damage. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take proactive measures to shield yourself from harmful rays and promote long-term skin wellbeing.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a striking pattern of solar intensity. Starting at 07:00, the index is a manageable 2, but it quickly climbs as the sun rises higher. By 08:00, it's at 4, and by 09:00, it reaches 6, signaling a push towards midday sun. The peak intensity strikes at 12:00 with a blistering 12, making it essential to seek shade and wear sunscreen. From this zenith, the index gradually declines: 11 at 13:00, 10 at 14:00, and finally dipping to 7 by 15:00. As daylight wanes, the UV levels fall rapidly, resting at 2 by 17:00 and dropping to a safe 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. Enjoy the sun, but be mindful of those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | 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 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest levels observed from March to September, indicating a seasonal increase in UV radiation. During this period, visitors and residents should be particularly cautious, as the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 12, especially from May to August, with a burn time as brief as 10 minutes. Even in October and November, the UV Index remains elevated, categorized as very high and high, respectively. To ensure safety, it's advisable to wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade during peak sun hours, particularly in high-risk months from April to September. As the year progresses, individuals can take advantage of the lower UV indices from December to February, when burn times increase to 30 and 25 minutes, making sun safety less critical but still important.
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 |
| Sukumo | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |