Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Shimotoda, Japan, as it plays a vital role in protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. With Japan's Cfa climate offering warm summers, UV exposure can peak during midday, particularly from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, when the index soars to levels 11—indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By being aware of the UV Index, you can take necessary precautions and enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery of Shimotoda while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index begins to climb, starting at a mild 2 by 07:00. By 08:00, it ascends to a moderate 5, indicating that sun protection becomes essential. The intensity peaks at 11 between 11:00 and 12:00, marking the hours when solar radiation is most potent. Following this peak, the index gradually declines; it drops to 10 at 13:00, before descending to 7 by 14:00. The afternoon sees a further decrease, with readings of 5 at 15:00 and 3 at 16:00—perfect for those wishing to enjoy the sun while still being cautious. By 17:00, the index falls to a mild 1, and as the day winds down, it reaches 0 by 19:00, signaling a retreat from the sun's harmful rays. It’s crucial to stay informed and protect your skin during peak UV hours!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
As the seasons change, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, influencing the risk of sun exposure throughout the year. January and February start with a moderate UV Index of 3 and 5, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. However, by March, the UV Index jumps to 8, which is categorized as very high, reducing safe exposure to just 15 minutes. The peak months for UV radiation are May through August, where the Index reaches an extreme level of 11, necessitating a mere 10 minutes of exposure before risking sunburn. September begins a gradual decline to a very high index of 10, while October and onward return to moderate levels. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious from March to August—wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize UV damage during these high-risk months.
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 |
| Shimotoda | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| 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 |