Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Maizuru, Japan, as it directly impacts sun safety and skin health. With peak UV levels reaching an intense 11 during midday hours, awareness of this index can help residents effectively prevent sunburn and reduce long-term skin damage. Given Maizuru's Cfa climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters, the risk of high UV exposure is prevalent. Monitoring the UV Index not only empowers the community to enjoy outdoor activities safely but also fosters a culture of health-consciousness as they embrace the vibrant outdoor lifestyle that Maizuru has to offer.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 2 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 4, indicating that protective measures are beginning to be advisable. The intensity peaks at 11 during the 11:00 and 12:00 hours, marking the time when sunlight is most potent. As the afternoon progresses, the index starts to decline; by 14:00, it drops to 8, and further diminishes to 6 by 15:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index wanes significantly, reducing to 3 at 16:00 and sinking to a mild 1 by 18:00, indicating a much lower risk. Overall, it’s a sun-soaked day, urging outdoor enthusiasts to be mindful of sun exposure, especially during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels show significant seasonal variation, peaking during the late spring and summer months from May to August, when the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months for sun exposure are May, June, July, and August, when it’s essential for residents and visitors to take precautions such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. In contrast, January, February, November, and December present a lower risk with moderate UV Index levels, allowing more time for safe sun exposure (up to 30 minutes). As UV levels begin to drop in the fall months, particularly in October, it's still wise to maintain sun safety practices, especially as the index remains relatively high.
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 |
| Maizuru | 4 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| 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 |