Last updated: June 2, 2025
Staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Takaoka, Japan, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense. Understanding UV levels plays a vital role in sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health, especially during peak sun hours. Takaoka enjoys a Cfa climate, characterized by warm summers, which can lead to elevated UV exposure risks. With the UV Index reaching a maximum of 11 at midday, being aware of these levels can help you take necessary precautions to protect your skin and enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely.
The UV Index peaks dramatically as the day unfolds, beginning at a mild 2 by 7:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity builds steadily, reaching 4 by 8:00 AM and then soaring to 7 at 9:00 AM. The sun’s rays hit their zenith at 12:00 PM, with an intensity of 11, signaling the necessity for sun protection. With a slight dip, the index remains high at 10 by 1:00 PM, before gradually declining to 8 at 2:00 PM. The afternoon sees a gentle descent, with the index falling to 5 by 3:00 PM, then further to 3 at 4:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV Index drops significantly, settling at a low of 1 by 6:00 PM and staying consistent through 7:00 PM. It’s a strong reminder to safeguard yourself during the midday hours when the sun is most potent!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do UV levels, with significant increases during the warmer months. From March to August, the UV Index rises dramatically, peaking at 11 (extreme) in June, July, and August, where burn times are as short as 10 minutes. April and May also present high risk, with a UV Index of 10 (very high) and burn times of 15 minutes. Conversely, the risk decreases significantly in the cooler months, with a moderate exposure category during January, February, November, and December, allowing for 30 minutes of safe sun exposure. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions from March to September, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak hours, to minimize sun damage.
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 |
| Takaoka | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 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 |