Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Okawara, Japan, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With the potential for sunburns and long-term skin damage, being aware of UV levels helps residents make informed decisions about outdoor activities, particularly during the peak hours when the index can soar as high as 10 around midday. Okawara's humid subtropical climate (Cfa) brings warm summers, leading to elevated UV exposure risks. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny days while safeguarding your skin from harmful rays.
The UV Index for the day starts off gently at 3 by 7:00 AM, gradually elevating as the sun climbs higher in the sky. By 9:00 AM, it reaches 7, signaling the onset of stronger rays. The peak occurs between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where it hits a maximum of 10, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index starts to decline, dipping to 5 by 3:00 PM and further to 1 by 5:00 PM, leading to a comfortable evening. As night falls at 7:00 PM, the UV index drops to 0, marking the end of sun-related concerns for the day. Remember to take precautions during peak hours to protect your skin!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | 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 does the UV Index, significantly impacting sun exposure and the risk of skin damage. From January to February, the UV Index is moderate (3-4) with a longer burn time of 30 minutes. However, as we transition into March and April, the UV Index rises sharply to high (7) and very high (8) respectively, with burn times decreasing to just 25 and 15 minutes. The peak UV intensity occurs during the summer months of July and August when the Index reaches an extreme level of 11, with a mere 10 minutes for potential sunburn. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious from March through September, the high-risk months for UV exposure, and take proactive measures such as applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize skin damage. As the year concludes, the UV levels drop again in October to moderate levels in November and December, providing a respite from intense sun exposure.
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 |
| Okawara | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 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 |