Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Kihoku, Japan, where the subtropical climate brings both beauty and sun exposure. Awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health, as the UV Index can peak at 12 during midday hours—indicating extremely high risk for skin damage. With typical exposure risks heightened by the region's climate, it’s important to stay informed and take necessary precautions, especially as summer approaches. Embrace the sun, but do so with care!
As the sun ascends, the UV Index rises dramatically. At 07:00, it starts at a gentle 2, offering a safe environment for morning activities. By 08:00, it climbs to 4, signaling the need for some sun protection. The intensity peaks at 10:00 with a striking 10, reaching its maximum at 11:00 and 12:00 with a peak UV Index of 12—definitely time to seek shade or lather on the sunscreen! As the afternoon progresses, intensity begins to wane, dropping to 9 by 14:00, then 6 at 15:00. The sun retreats, and by 17:00, we see a much softer 2, transitioning to a cozy 1 at 18:00 and finally settling at a safe 0 by 19:00. Overall, this UV Index profile underscores the importance of sun safety during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | 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 | 3 | 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 index values show significant seasonal changes, with the highest risk months occurring from April to August, when the UV index reaches extreme levels of 11 to 12. This period, particularly in July, presents the shortest burn time of just 10 minutes, indicating the need for serious sun protection. As spring approaches in March, the index rises to a very high level of 8, making it essential for residents and visitors to start incorporating sun safety measures early. As we transition into the fall and winter months, the UV index drops, with February and October still posing moderate to high risk, while January and December return to a more moderate level. To ensure safety during peak UV times, it's crucial to apply sunscreen liberally, wear protective clothing, and seek shade whenever spending extended periods outdoors.
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 |
| Kihoku | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 4 |