Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Puerto Berrio, Colombia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure. With a tropical climate, residents and visitors alike are frequently exposed to elevated UV levels, especially during midday when the index peaks at an intense 13. Awareness of these levels can help prevent sunburn and promote long-term skin health, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the vibrant outdoor lifestyle without compromising their well-being. With the sun's rays reaching their maximum intensity between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., it's essential to check the UV Index regularly and take appropriate precautions.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins subtly, peaking at 1 by 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it climbs to a moderate level of 6, increasing to a striking 10 at 10:00 AM. At 11:00 AM, the intensity reaches its zenith with a sharp 12, and by 12:00 PM, it hits a scorching 13. The afternoon witnesses a gradual decline, with UV levels dropping to 12 by 1:00 PM, followed by a swift descent to 9 at 2:00 PM and further down to 5 by 3:00 PM. As the day winds down, UV exposure diminishes, falling to 3 at 4:00 PM, and finally settling back to 1 by 5:00 PM. The UV index ends the day at 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe retreat from sun exposure. This hourly fluctuation highlights the importance of sun safety, especially during peak hours when UV radiation is at its most intense.
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
The UV Index remains consistently high throughout the year, with extreme levels persisting from January to November. The peak occurs in March and April, with an index of 15, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. Consequently, the high-risk months are clearly highlighted as March and April, although UV levels remain significant from January to October, making every month potentially hazardous for sun exposure. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures against UV radiation, such as wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak daylight hours, especially in these high-risk months. Being vigilant about sun safety is essential year-round due to the persistent extreme UV exposure.
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 |
| Puerto Berrio | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 11 |
| 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 |