Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Shiozawa, Japan, where the climate brings moderate to high levels of ultraviolet radiation. Awareness of UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for protecting skin health over the long term. With typical UV exposure peaking at around noon, when the index can reach a maximum of 10, it’s vital to stay informed about daily variations in UV intensity. This knowledge allows you to enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely, safeguarding your skin against potential damage in this lovely Cfa climate region.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic shift, peaking during the late morning to early afternoon hours. Starting from a mild 2 at 7:00 AM, it steadily rises, hitting 4 by 8:00 AM and escalating dramatically to a robust 10 by 11:00 AM and maintaining that intensity until 12:00 PM. After reaching its zenith, the index gently declines, dropping to 5 by 3:00 PM, before descending further to 1 by 5:00 PM. As the sun sets, the UV Index fades to 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling a stark shift in sunlight intensity. This progressive pattern highlights the importance of sun protection during peak hours, particularly from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, when the sun's rays are most potent.
| 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 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 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 |
| Shiozawa | 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 |