Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Hokuto, Japan, where the climate—classified as Dfb—carries its own unique set of sun exposure risks. With the UV levels peaking at a dangerous 12 during midday, awareness can make a significant difference in sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. From May to August, when the sun’s intensity reaches its highest, it’s essential to monitor the UV Index to protect yourself against harmful rays that can lead to skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. Stay informed and take action to enjoy Hokuto's beautiful outdoors safely!
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. Early risers will find a gentle start at 7:00 AM with a mild UVI of 2, but as the sun climbs higher, the intensity sharply rises to 8 by 9:00 AM and peaks at a striking 12 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. This aggressive UV exposure begins to taper off in the afternoon, dropping to 6 by 3:00 PM and continuing to diminish as the sun sets, with a final UVI of 0 by 7:00 PM. To stay protected during the peak hours, enjoying the outdoors between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM requires caution—it's the sun’s strongest embrace!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variations, highlighting the importance of sun protection during peak months. From March to August, the UV Index reaches its highest levels, peaking at 12 in June, July, and August, which falls under the extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This indicates that March through August are the high-risk months for UV exposure, particularly April and May, which see indices of 10 and 11 respectively. Residents and visitors are advised to take extra precautions during these months, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during the midday hours. As the year progresses into the autumn and winter months, UV levels decrease, but awareness should still be maintained in February, October, and November, where the UV Index remains in the high range.
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 |
| Osaka UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Hokuto | 4 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 4 |