Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Leticia, Colombia, where the tropical climate brings intense sun exposure, particularly during midday. As a city located near the equator, Leticia experiences elevated UV levels that can quickly lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage if proper precautions aren't taken. With peak UV Index readings reaching 11—a level categorized as “extreme”—it's vital to stay informed and protect your skin. By grasping the significance of UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful sunshine while safeguarding your skin health.
At the break of dawn, the UV Index begins its gentle rise, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it escalates to a moderate 3, signaling the sun’s growing intensity. Things heat up as the clock strikes 09:00, reaching a 5, before peaking at a striking 11 by 11:00 and 12:00—the time for sun protection is now! As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually declines: down to 9 at 13:00, then settling at 7 by 14:00. The evening brings relief with a drop to 4 by 15:00, further to 2 at 16:00, and eventually fading to 1 at 17:00. By 18:00, the UV implications disappear altogether with a 0, making the evening safe for outdoor activities. Remember, it’s crucial to stay protected during those peak hours!
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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences notable consistency throughout the year, with extreme levels recorded from January to April, reaching a peak of 16 in February and March. Although there is a slight reduction in UV Index values from May (13) to July (11), the exposure remains high, and the burn time stays constant at just 10 minutes. August sees a slight increase to 12 before September rises again to 13, with October and November holding steady at 14. December rounds out the year with a UV Index of 13. Given this information, it is crucial for visitors and residents to remain vigilant about sun protection, especially during the high-risk months of January through April. Using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade can help prevent skin damage, even during the cooler months.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Barranquilla UVI | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
Cartagena UVI | 11 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
Leticia | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 |
Medellin UVI | 14 | 15 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
Cali UVI | 15 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
Bogota UVI | 15 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 |