Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Otawara, Japan is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With the daily UV levels peaking at 10 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations can help prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. Given Otawara's Cfa climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, the risk of high UV exposure is significant, especially during the warmer months. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents can make informed decisions about sun protection and enjoy the outdoors safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb steadily. At 7:00 AM, it registers a mild level of 2, but by 8:00 AM, it escalates to 4, indicating the start of a more intense sun exposure. The peak occurs at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where it reaches a soaring 10, alerting everyone to take necessary precautions. After midday, the intensity starts to wane: it gently drops to 9 at 1:00 PM and gradually decreases to 5 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon fades into evening, the UV Index dwindles to 3 at 4:00 PM and finally settles at 1 by 5:00 PM, bringing a close to the day's sun exposure risks. As night approaches, the UV Index drops to 0 after 7:00 PM, signifying a safe respite from the sun’s harsh rays.
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The seasonal UV variations indicate a significant increase in UV exposure from winter to summer, with high-risk months emerging from April through August. During this period, the UV Index peaks at 11 (extreme), particularly in June, July, and August, where the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures during these months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently. As the UV levels decrease in the fall and winter months, with indices dropping to 3 in January and December, the risk of sunburn diminishes. However, maintaining sun safety practices year-round remains essential for health and well-being.
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 |
| Otawara | 3 | 5 | 7 | 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 |