Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Tsuruoka, Japan is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health under the sun. Being aware of UV levels helps you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially during peak hours when the index soars to 10 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Tsuruoka, with its temperate Cfa climate, experiences diverse weather patterns, but UV exposure remains a significant risk, particularly in summer months when outdoor activities are prevalent. Stay informed and protect yourself by monitoring the UV Index—your skin will thank you!
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 fluctuate significantly, with the most intense exposure occurring during the summer months. High-risk months for UV exposure are from April to August, particularly peaking in July and August with an extreme UV Index of 11, resulting in a burn time of only 10 minutes. As we transition from spring into summer, residents and visitors should be particularly vigilant, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. In contrast, the winter months (January, February, November, and December) feature a moderate UV exposure, allowing for safer sun enjoyment, but caution is still advised, especially during midday hours. Remember, even on cloudy or cooler days, UV rays can cause harm, so take the necessary precautions year-round.
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 |
| Tsuruoka | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 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 |