Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Saga, Japan, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding the daily fluctuations in UV levels—notably peaking at an intensity of 11 around noon—helps residents and visitors alike take necessary precautions during their time outdoors. With Saga's Cfa climate, characterized by hot summers, individuals must be aware of the increased risk of harmful UV exposure, especially during those peak hours. By prioritizing UV awareness, you can enjoy the sun safely and maintain healthy skin throughout the year.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a notable peak between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where it reaches a striking 11, indicating a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity starts at a lower 2 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 3 by 8:00 AM before skyrocketing to 10 by 11:00 AM. As the midday sun intensifies, it maintains a level of 11 at both 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, prompting a reminder to seek shade and wear protective gear. The afternoon sees a decline, dipping to 9 at 2:00 PM and gradually tapering off to 4 by 4:00 PM, then further down to 2 at 5:00 PM. As evening approaches, the levels drop to a gentle 1 by 6:00 PM, highlighting the importance of being sun-aware, especially during those peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | 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 |
| Saga | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 4 |