Last updated: May 3, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents of Higashine, Japan, where the climate contributes to fluctuating sun exposure throughout the day. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. With peak UV indexes reaching as high as 10 around midday, it’s essential for locals and visitors to be mindful of the risks associated with UV radiation, especially during the warm months. As the sun climbs, so do the chances of overexposure—protecting yourself in this Cfa climate can make all the difference in enjoying a safe and healthy outdoor experience.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 2 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it ramps up to 4, signaling the need for some sun protection. The intensity peaks between 10:00 and 12:00, reaching a maximum of 10, meaning it’s crucial to stay shaded and apply sunscreen during these hours. The numbers start to decline after 1:00 PM, with the index dropping to 8 at 1:00 PM, then further easing to 6 at 2:00 PM, and tapering off to 4 by 3:00 PM. As the day winds down, the index falls to 1 by 5:00 PM, and eventually to 0 after sunset, reminding us that while the daytime sun can be intense, the evening cools both temperature and UV exposure.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, peaking during the summer months. January and December see a moderate UV Index of 3, with a burn time of 30 minutes. As early as February, the Index rises to 5, indicating a continued moderate exposure. However, March marks the onset of high risk with an Index of 7, reducing burn time to 25 minutes. The real concern arises from April to August, where the Index reaches very high (9-10) and even extreme levels (11) in July and August, with dangerously short burn times of just 10-15 minutes. The season begins to taper off in September (UV Index 9) and October (UV Index 6), before returning to moderate levels in November and December. For visitors and residents, it is crucial to take protective measures, especially from April to August, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen rigorously to prevent harmful 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 |
| Higashine | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 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 |