UV Index in Medellin, Colombia

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In Medellín, Colombia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring you enjoy the sun safely. With its tropical highland climate and elevated altitude, Medellín experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when the UV Index can soar as high as 14. By keeping track of these values, you can enjoy the vibrant outdoor life of Medellín while safeguarding your skin against harmful rays.

Hourly UV Index in Medellin

As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at 1 by 07:00, but quickly escalates as the day progresses. By 09:00, it reaches 7, signaling the need for protection. 10:00 marks the peak at an intense 10, followed closely by a striking 13 at 11:00. The UV rays hit their highest point at 12:00 with a staggering 14, urging everyone to take caution. The intensity begins to taper off in the early afternoon, dropping to 10 by 14:00, and easing further to 7 at 15:00. As the day wanes, the UV Index dips to 3 by 16:00, and then back to a safe 1 at 17:00 and 18:00, wrapping up as the sun sets with a 0 at 19:00. It's a clear reminder that when outdoors, sun safety is paramount during the midday hours!

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	1	low	45 min
08:00	3	moderate	30 min
09:00	7	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	10	very high	15 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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Medellin

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Medellin, Colombia

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Medellin 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.

Medellin'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
Medellin	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