Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Niigata, Japan, understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With UV levels peaking between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, reaching a high of 9, awareness of these levels can significantly reduce the risk of painful sunburn and long-term skin damage. Niigata's Cfa climate brings a mix of hot summers and mild winters, resulting in variable UV exposure throughout the year. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors can take proactive steps to enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding their skin health.
The UV Index for the day showcases a clear peak around midday. Starting at a mild 2 at 07:00, it gradually rises, hitting 4 by 08:00 and climbing to a notable 6 at 09:00. The intensity escalates further, reaching a maximum of 9 at both 11:00 and 12:00, making these hours the most critical for sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index begins to drop, falling to 8 at 13:00 and decreasing to 4 by 15:00. By late afternoon, the levels fall sharply, dipping to 2 at 16:00 and settling at a safe 1 by 17:00, with the sun finally resting at 0 by 19:00. It's vital to take precautions during those peak hours to shield yourself from harmful UV rays!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
As the year progresses, the UV Index in our region exhibits significant fluctuations, reflecting seasonal changes that are essential for visitors and residents to note. During the winter months of January and February, the UV Index remains in the moderate range (3-4), allowing for a burn time of about 30 minutes. However, as spring approaches, particularly in March, the UV Index rises sharply to high (7), reducing burn time to 25 minutes. The months of April through August present the highest risk, with UV Index values reaching very high (8-9) in April and May, escalating to a peak of extreme (11) in July and August, where the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. By September, there’s a slight decline to very high (9), and it further reduces in the fall months, with the index returning to the moderate range by November and December. Residents and visitors should take care during high-risk months—particularly from March through September—by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen to safeguard against harmful UV 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 |
| Niigata | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 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 |