Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Kumagaya, Japan, where the climate is characterized by hot summers and significant sun exposure. With UV levels peaking at a maximum of 11 during midday, awareness becomes essential not only for sunburn prevention but also for long-term skin health. By grasping the daily fluctuations in UV levels, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself from harmful rays. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply soaking up the sun, staying informed helps mitigate risks associated with high UV exposure, ensuring a safe and pleasant experience in this vibrant city.
The hourly UV Index reveals a dynamic rise and fall of sun intensity throughout the day. Starting at a mild 2 at 07:00, the index climbs steadily, reaching a peak of 11 at both 11:00 and 12:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon sun begins to descend, the index tapers off to 9 at 13:00, then gradually decreases to 5 by 15:00. By 16:00, it drops to 3, signaling the end of peak sun strength, while cool evenings arrive with a return to 1 at both 17:00 and 18:00. Finally, at 19:00, the UV Index hits 0, marking a safe transition into the night. Stay protected during the day's brightest hours!
| 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 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits notable seasonal changes throughout the year, with high-risk months primarily occurring from March to September. March marks the shift to a high category (UV Index 7), while April and May escalate to very high (UV Index 9-10), culminating in extreme exposure levels during June and July (UV Index 11). As summer transitions to fall, the UV levels gradually decline, dipping to moderate levels by November and December. Visitors and residents should take necessary precautions, especially during the peak months of June and July, where the burn time is drastically reduced to just 10 minutes. It is advisable to wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen frequently, and seek shade during these high-risk times to minimize skin damage and health risks.
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 |
| Kumagaya | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 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 |