UV Index in Harrismith, South Africa

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for staying safe in Harrismith, South Africa, where the climate can lead to significant sun exposure. As UV levels fluctuate throughout the day, being aware of these changes is vital for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health. With Harrismith's typical climate featuring strong sunlight, especially during midday hours when the UV Index peaks at 6, residents and visitors alike should take precautions. By monitoring UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting yourself from harmful effects.

Hourly UV Index in Harrismith

The UV Index today showcased a notable increase from the early morning hours, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rose higher in the sky, the index climbed steadily, reaching a significant 6 by 12:00, indicating a peak in UV radiation and the need for sun protection. The afternoon saw a slight decline, with values dropping to 4 at 14:00 and falling further to 2 by 15:00. As the day wound down, the UV index returned to a safer range, ending the day at 0 by 19:00. It’s crucial to stay informed and safeguard your skin during those high UV hours!

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	1	low	45 min
09:00	2	low	45 min
10:00	4	moderate	30 min
11:00	5	moderate	30 min
12:00	6	high	25 min
13:00	5	moderate	30 min
14:00	4	moderate	30 min
15:00	2	low	45 min
16:00	1	low	45 min
17:00	1	low	45 min
18:00	0	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Harrismith

Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring in the winter months, specifically January, February, and December, where it reaches an extreme level of 16. These months, along with March, September, October, and November—all falling under the extreme exposure category—have a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. The transitional months of April and August see a drop to very high levels (UV Index 10 and 8, respectively), while May and July maintain a high category (UV Index 7 and 6) with longer burn times of 25-30 minutes. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during the high-risk months of January, February, March, September, October, and November by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of sunburn and skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Harrismith, South Africa

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Harrismith. 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 Harrismith, 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 Harrismith UV Index with Other South Africa Cities

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

Harrismith's solar exposure compared to other cities in South Africa. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Cape Town UVI	14	13	11	8	5	3	4	6	9	11	12	14
Durban UVI	14	13	12	9	6	4	5	7	9	11	13	15
Harrismith	16	15	13	10	7	5	6	8	11	12	14	16
Johannesburg UVI	15	15	13	10	7	6	6	8	11	12	14	16
Pretoria UVI	16	15	13	10	7	6	6	9	11	13	14	16
Soweto UVI	16	15	13	11	7	6	6	8	11	13	15	16