Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Matsue, Japan is essential for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. As the UV rays intensify throughout the day, awareness of these levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With Matsue's humid subtropical climate (Cfa), residents and visitors face unique UV exposure risks, especially in the peak hours when the index can soar to 11—signifying very high UV radiation. Staying informed about the UV Index not only helps safeguard your skin but also encourages fun and safe outdoor activities in this beautiful city by the lake.
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the sun’s strength throughout the day. Starting at a modest 2 at 07:00, the index gradually climbs as the sun ascends, reaching 4 by 08:00. By 09:00, it spikes to 6, and before long, it peaks at an impressive 11 at 12:00, marking the most intense exposure. The afternoon starts to cool slightly, with the index dropping to 10 by 13:00 and then tapering off through 8 at 14:00, 6 at 15:00, and back to 4 at 16:00. As the sun begins its descent, the UV Index falls to 2 by 17:00, lingering at 1 through the evening hours, creating a gentle reminder to enjoy the sun but also to stay mindful of its intensity during peak 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 6 | 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, the UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, with elevated levels during the warmer months from March to September. High-risk months for UV exposure include April to August, where the index peaks at 10-12, indicating very high to extreme exposure levels and a drastically reduced burn time of only 10-15 minutes. During this period, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to minimize the risk of skin damage. Conversely, the winter months of January, February, November, and December see a moderate UV index, allowing for a safer level of outdoor activity with a longer burn time of 30 minutes.
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 |
Matsue | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
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 |