UV Index in Harrisonburg, United States

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Harrisonburg, understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. The potential for sunburn and long-term skin damage increases significantly when UV levels rise, particularly during peak hours, making awareness crucial for outdoor enthusiasts and residents alike. With a Cfa climate, Harrisonburg experiences a diverse range of weather, but during the summer months, the UV Index can peak at a staggering level of 11, indicating an extreme risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about local UV levels, you can take proactive steps to enjoy the outdoors safely without compromising your skin health.

Hourly UV Index in Harrisonburg

Expect a sunny day with a fluctuating UV Index that peaks at 11 around midday. The morning starts off gentle, with values rising from 1 at 7:00 AM to 4 by 9:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the UV Index escalates sharply, reaching 9 by 11:00 AM and hitting its highest point of 11 at both 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. After the sun’s zenith, the UV levels gradually decline, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM and tapering off to 1 by 7:00 PM. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours for a safe and enjoyable day outdoors!

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	2	low	45 min
09:00	4	moderate	30 min
10:00	6	high	25 min
11:00	9	very high	15 min
12:00	11	extreme	10 min
13:00	11	extreme	10 min
14:00	10	very high	15 min
15:00	8	very high	15 min
16:00	6	high	25 min
17:00	3	moderate	30 min
18:00	2	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Harrisonburg

Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, peaking during the summer months. High-risk months for sun exposure are from March to August, where values reach extreme levels of 11 to 12, necessitating a burn time as low as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution, especially in these months, ensuring they apply sunscreen frequently, seek shade, and wear protective clothing. As the seasons transition, September and October still show elevated levels at 10 and 8, respectively, marking them as considerable months for UV exposure. It’s advised to remain vigilant even in the cooler months; while January and December pose a lower risk with UV Index levels of 5 and 4, adopting sun safety practices year-round is crucial for skin protection.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Harrisonburg, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Harrisonburg. 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 Harrisonburg, 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 Harrisonburg UV Index with Other United States Cities

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

Harrisonburg's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Chicago UVI	3	4	6	8	9	10	10	9	8	6	4	2
Brooklyn UVI	3	5	6	8	10	10	9	9	8	6	4	2
New York City UVI	3	5	6	8	10	10	9	9	8	6	4	2
Los Angeles UVI	4	6	8	9	10	11	11	10	10	7	5	4
Harrisonburg	5	7	9	11	11	12	12	11	10	8	6	4
Houston UVI	5	8	9	11	11	12	12	11	10	9	7	5