Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Copacabana, Colombia, as it serves as a key indicator of the sun's intensity and potential health risks. With UV levels peaking at a staggering 14 during midday hours, awareness of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and safeguarding long-term skin health. Given the town's tropical climate and proximity to the equator, Copacabana experiences heightened UV exposure, particularly from 10 AM to 2 PM. Staying informed about the UV Index empowers you to take appropriate precautions, ensuring your time under the sun remains enjoyable and safe.
At 07:00, the UV Index starts modestly at 1, but as the sun rises higher, it dramatically escalates. By 09:00, it reaches 7, indicating a notable increase in ultraviolet exposure. The peak occurs at 11:00 and 12:00, where the index hits a striking 14, suggesting the need for serious sun protection. As the afternoon unfolds, levels gradually decline: dipping to 10 by 14:00 and further down to 6 by 15:00. The late afternoon and evening see a gentle drop-off, with the index returning to 1 by 17:00, and then settling at 0 by 19:00. Overall, it's a day to stay vigilant under the sun from mid-morning to early afternoon!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains alarmingly high, indicating extreme exposure risk, particularly from January to May and August to September, when values peak at 17 in March and typically range from 14 to 16 during these high-risk months. This consistent threat means that regardless of the time of year, visitors and residents should take precautionary measures when outdoors. To minimize the risk of sunburn, it is advised to limit direct exposure to the sun, especially during peak hours, and to use high-SPF sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade whenever possible. With a burn time of just 10 minutes, everyone should remain vigilant about their sun safety practices year-round.
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 |
Copacabana | 14 | 15 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
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 |