UV Index in Harar, Ethiopia

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Harar, Ethiopia, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike take necessary precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage, particularly during peak hours when UV exposure is highest. With Harar's BSh climate presenting a unique blend of sunny days, the UV Index can soar to dangerous levels, reaching a maximum of 13 around midday. By familiarizing yourself with daily UV fluctuations, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful rays.

Hourly UV Index in Harar

The UV Index presents a dynamic story throughout the day, beginning with a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, ideal for a morning stroll. As the sun rises, the intensity increases, hitting 3 by 8:00 AM and reaching 5 at 9:00 AM—a sign that sunscreen should start making an appearance. The peak comes between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, soaring to a striking 11 and then a maximum of 13 at noon, signaling a time when direct sun exposure can be particularly harmful. A gradual decline follows, with the index dropping to 9 by 2:00 PM, and easing back to 1 as evening approaches, reminding us to seek shade during the hottest hours. As the day winds down, the index concludes at 0 by 7:00 PM, inviting a leisurely night's rest.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	3	moderate	30 min
09:00	5	moderate	30 min
10:00	9	very high	15 min
11:00	11	extreme	10 min
12:00	13	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	9	very high	15 min
15:00	6	high	25 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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Harar

The UV Index shows significant seasonal variations, maintaining an extreme exposure category throughout the year. The highest values occur from February to April, peaking at 16 in March and April, which signals that these months, along with July to September (all at 15), present the highest risk for sunburn. During these months, burn time is notably short at just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen to minimize UV exposure, especially in the peak months of March, April, and the summer season. Even during the cooler months from October to December, when the UV Index decreases slightly to around 11-12, continued vigilance is advised as conditions can still pose risks.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Harar, Ethiopia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Harar. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Harar, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Harar UV Index with Other Ethiopia Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Harar compares to other major locations across Ethiopia. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Harar's solar exposure compared to other cities in Ethiopia. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mek'ele UVI	12	14	15	15	15	12	13	14	13	13	11	10
Bahir Dar UVI	12	14	15	15	14	12	14	15	13	12	11	10
Dire Dawa UVI	13	14	15	15	14	12	14	15	14	12	12	11
Nazret UVI	13	15	15	16	14	12	14	15	14	13	12	11
Harar	13	15	16	16	15	13	15	15	15	12	12	11
Addis Ababa UVI	13	15	16	16	15	12	15	16	14	14	13	12