Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Harrisburg, United States, as it plays a crucial role in protecting your skin health. With peak UV levels frequently reaching 11 during the summer months, being aware of these readings empowers you to take necessary precautions to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Harrisburg's Cfa climate results in a humid subtropical environment, which increases UV exposure risks, especially during midday when the sun's intensity is at its highest. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while ensuring your skin remains healthy and protected.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its modest ascent, starting at a gentle 1 around 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it picks up to 3, hinting at a sunnier day ahead. The peak intensity occurs from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, where it skyrockets to a striking 10 at 12:00 PM, reaching an impressive 11 by 1:00 PM—perfect for those sun-seeking adventurers! However, after this zenith, the UV Index gradually declines, dropping to 9 by 3:00 PM and further easing to a 4 by 5:00 PM. By 6:00 PM, it falls to 2, and as the sun sets, it returns to a safe 1 by 7:00 PM. Remember to take precautions during those peak hours to protect your skin from harmful rays!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index displays significant seasonal fluctuations that warrant attention from both visitors and residents. From January (UV Index 4, moderate exposure) to February (UV Index 6, high exposure), there is a notable increase in ultraviolet radiation, leading to higher sunburn risk. The months of March through June represent high-risk periods, with UV Index values peaking at 11 in June (extreme exposure) and maintaining levels above 8 until September. During this summer surge, burn times can dwindle to as little as 10 minutes in June. September to October shows a slight decrease, though values remain high (UV Index 9-8). Following this, November and December return to more moderate levels (UV Index 5 and 3), allowing for longer exposure times without an immediate burn risk. It is advisable for everyone to stay vigilant during the high-risk months, particularly from March to September, and to employ protective measures such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, especially during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
| 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 |
| Harrisburg | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |