Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Wakayama, Japan, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin against harmful UV radiation. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and maintain better overall skin health, especially during the sun's peak hours. With a Cfa climate, Wakayama experiences prominent UV exposure, particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the UV Index can soar to 11, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Staying informed about UV levels in this beautiful region is essential for enjoying the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin's health.
The UV Index for the day follows a dynamic trend, peaking during the midday hours. Starting at a modest 2 at 7:00 AM, the intensity gradually intensifies, reaching 4 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index escalates significantly, hitting a striking 9 at 10:00 AM and reaching its zenith of 11 at 12:00 PM. After this peak, a gradual decline sets in, with the index dropping to 5 by 3:00 PM before tapering off to 1 by 5:00 PM. The day concludes with a UV Index of 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling a clear drop in potential UV exposure. It's a reminder to stay sun-smart, especially during the midday hours when the UV rays are at their strongest!
| 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 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index varies throughout the year, reflecting significant seasonal changes in sun exposure. From January to February, the UV Index remains moderate, with a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring arrives in March, the index escalates to 8, categorizing it as very high, with a reduced burn time of 15 minutes. The months of April through August peak at an extreme UV Index of 11, with burn times dropping to just 10 minutes, making this period particularly high-risk for sunburn. September sees a slight decline to a 10, categorized as very high, while October (UV Index of 7) shifts to high risk, allowing for 25 minutes of burn time. The year concludes with moderate exposure levels in November and December (UV Index 5 and 4, respectively), where burn times revert to 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions during high-risk months—especially from March to September—by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure.
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 |
| Nagoya UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Wakayama | 4 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Osaka UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |