Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Sakata, Japan is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. With UV levels peaking at 10 during midday, it becomes vital to recognize these readings to prevent sunburn and maintain overall skin health. Sakata’s humid subtropical climate brings long, sunny summers that can amplify UV exposure risks, making awareness even more important. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the outdoors while taking the necessary precautions to protect themselves from the sun’s harmful effects.
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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels vary significantly, indicating changes in sun exposure risk. The high-risk months are April to September, where the UV Index peaks from 8 to 11, indicating a very high to extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. In these months, the time it takes to burn decreases to as little as 10-15 minutes. As a result, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during the peak sun hours between 10 AM and 4 PM. Meanwhile, the winter months (January to February, November to December) have a more moderate UV Index of 3-4, allowing for a slightly more relaxed approach to sun safety, though protection is still advisable.
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 |
| Sakata | 3 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 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 |