Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Minamishimabara, Japan, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding the UV levels not only aids in sunburn prevention but also contributes to long-term skin health by fostering smart sun exposure practices. With a Cfa climate characterized by warm summers and moderate UV exposure, the risk of skin damage can spike especially around midday when the UV Index peaks at an intense 11. By staying informed about local UV conditions, residents and visitors can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting their skin from overexposure.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, perfect for early risers. By 8:00 AM, it increases to a moderate 3, hinting at the day ahead. Things heat up quickly, with the index peaking at an intense 11 around 12:00 PM, a reminder that sun protection is essential during midday. The UV levels maintain a strong presence, remaining at 10 at 1:00 PM before gradually tapering off to 9 by 2:00 PM. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index drops to a cozy 6 at 3:00 PM and further descends to 4 by 4:00 PM. By the evening, the sun loses its intensity, with the index falling to 2 at 5:00 PM, and settling back to a safe 1 from 6:00 PM onward. This daily cycle underscores the importance of being sun smart, especially during 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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, seasonal changes in UV exposure highlight periods of heightened risk for residents and visitors. From January to February, the UV Index rises from 4 (moderate) to 6 (high), reducing safe exposure time to 25 minutes. Significant increases occur in March, reaching 8 (very high), and peaking during the summer months of April to August at 11-12 (extreme), where only 10 minutes of unprotected exposure is advisable. The risk, while still present, decreases again in September and returns to high levels in October and November with a UV Index of 6-7, allowing for 25 minutes of safe exposure. As such, it is crucial for visitors and residents to remain vigilant, especially during the summer, taking precautions like wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to mitigate the risk of UV-related health issues.
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 |
| Minamishimabara | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 4 |