Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Sakata, Japan, where the sunny Cfa climate can lead to significant UV exposure throughout the year. Monitoring UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health, especially during peak hours when readings can soar to 9—indicating very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. With typical UV peaks from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, being aware of the UV Index not only helps safeguard your skin but also enhances outdoor enjoyment, allowing you to take full advantage of Sakata's vibrant sun while staying protected.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a blistering 9. The day starts gently, with 07:00 AM registering a modest 2, but by 09:00 AM, it climbs to a moderate 6. The intensity escalates, hitting 8 at 10:00 AM and reaching its zenith shortly after noon. After this peak, the index gradually dips, easing down to 6 by 2:00 PM, before falling further to 4 at 3:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV radiation wanes significantly, dropping to 2 by 4:00 PM and near zero after sunset, signaling a shift in the skies. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | 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, 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 |