Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Tarapacá, Colombia, a region characterized by its warm, dry climate. Awareness of UV levels not only plays a vital role in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health but also helps individuals make informed decisions about outdoor activities. During the day, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, Tarapacá experiences significant UV exposure, peaking at a severe level of 12—a clear warning to stay protected. Armed with knowledge about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Tarapacá landscape while safeguarding your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
At dawn, the UV Index starts off gently at 1 by 07:00, but as the morning unfolds, it swiftly climbs. By 09:00, the index hits 6, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The sun reaches its zenith around noon, peaking at a scorching 12 at 12:00. 11:00 to 12:00 marks the most dangerous hours for sun exposure, with the UV Index staying at 11 and 12, so sunscreen is essential! After this peak, a gradual decline begins. By 14:00, it drops to 7, and then further descends into the afternoon and evening, stabilizing at 0 by 19:00, indicating a safe end to sun exposure for the day. This data serves as a reminder to stay sun-safe during those critical midday hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | 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 |
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.
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 |
| 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 |