Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Giraldo, Colombia is essential for protecting yourself against harmful ultraviolet rays. With a climate characterized by a mild, temperate atmosphere (Cfb zone), residents and visitors alike must be aware of daily UV levels to prevent sunburn and promote long-term skin health. During peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, UV index readings can soar to 14, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about these fluctuations, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your skin and enjoy the beautiful Colombian outdoors while minimizing UV-related risks.
The UV Index starts off relatively low at 1 around 7:00 AM, but as the sun climbs, it rapidly intensifies. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a moderate 6, escalating to a peak of 14 at noon, marking the hottest point of the day. Midday, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, sees the highest UV exposure, with values consistently at 13 and 14—a clear reminder to seek shade or apply sunscreen. As the afternoon wanes, the index steadily declines, dropping to 3 by 4:00 PM and tapering off to 1 by 6:00 PM, before reaching 0 at 7:00 PM. Planning outdoor activities? Aim for the early morning or late afternoon to stay safe from excessive UV rays!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | 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 shows consistently high values, predominantly categorized as extreme. The highest readings occur from January to May, peaking at 16 in March, April, and May, which indicates a high-risk period for sun exposure. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during these months, limiting outdoor activities to the early morning or late afternoon and ensuring they use broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade. While UV levels slightly decrease during the summer months of June to August, they remain in the 14 range, still warranting vigilance. As the year progresses into fall and winter, UV Index values gradually decline to 12 by December, yet precautions should still be taken throughout the year, especially from January to September.
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 |
| Giraldo | 14 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 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 |