UV Index in Tarapaca, Colombia

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Tarapacá, Colombia is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With its hot and dry Af climate, the region experiences significant UV exposure throughout the day, peaking around midday when levels can reach a severe index of 13. Being aware of these UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn, reducing your risk of skin damage, and promoting long-term skin health. By monitoring the UV Index, residents and visitors can take proactive steps to protect themselves during peak hours, ensuring enjoyable and safe experiences under the vibrant Colombian sun.

Hourly UV Index in Tarapaca

The UV Index throughout the day reveals a striking pattern of intensity that peaks during the midday hours. It starts off at a gentle 2 at 07:00, gradually climbing to 4 by 08:00. The real surge occurs between 09:00 and 11:00, where it skyrockets to a high of 13, indicating a strong need for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to taper off, descending from 11 at 13:00 to 4 by 15:00, and finally dropping to a calm 0 by 19:00. To sum up, the day's UV exposure is intense yet fleeting, making the hours from 10:00 to 13:00 critical for sun safety!

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	2	low	45 min
08:00	4	moderate	30 min
09:00	7	high	25 min
10:00	11	extreme	10 min
11:00	13	extreme	10 min
12:00	13	extreme	10 min
13:00	11	extreme	10 min
14:00	8	very high	15 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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Tarapaca

Throughout the year, the UV Index in our region exhibits significant seasonal variations, with extreme levels persisting from January to April. The months of January to April present the highest risk, peaking at an index of 17 in March, accompanied by a critical burn time of just 10 minutes. While UV levels gradually decrease from May to August, they still remain in the extreme category, with values averaging around 12 to 13. As autumn approaches, September and October see a slight uptick to 14, before dropping again. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take necessary precautions during these high-risk periods, such as using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM, to safeguard against the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Tarapaca, Colombia

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

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

Tarapaca's solar exposure compared to other cities in Colombia. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Tarapaca	15	16	17	16	13	12	12	12	14	14	13	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