Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Ojiya, Japan, where the subtropical climate brings not only beautiful seasons but also varying levels of sun exposure. Awareness of UV levels plays a significant role in preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health, making it essential for everyone to stay informed, especially during peak hours. With a typical maximum UV Index reaching 11 around midday, Ojiya experiences heightened UV exposure risks, particularly during the warmer months. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely and protect your skin from UV damage.
The UV Index reveals a striking pattern of sun exposure throughout the day. Starting at 7:00 AM, the index is a modest 2, but as the sun climbs higher, it reaches its peak intensity at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a soaring 11—a clear signal to seek shade! By 1:00 PM, it dips slightly to 10, yet remains in the high-risk zone until 2:00 PM when it begins to wane to 8. The afternoon continues its descent, hitting 5 at 3:00 PM, before falling to a much safer 1 by 5:00 PM. By 7:00 PM, the UV Index plummets to 0, ushering in a welcome reprieve from the sun. If you’re planning outdoor activities, the early hours are best avoided, especially around midday when the UV exposure is at its peak!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index values fluctuate significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. The high-risk months for UV exposure occur from March to August, peaking during the summer months of June, July, and August with an extreme UV Index of 11 and a burn time as short as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take preventive measures during these months, such as wearing sunscreen with high SPF, protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible. As the year progresses, the UV Index decreases to a moderate level by November and December, allowing for safer outdoor activities, but caution is still essential, especially in early spring and late summer when burn times can still be relatively short. Remember to stay vigilant and protect your skin from harmful UV rays!
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 |
| Ojiya | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 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 |