Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in San Rafael, Colombia, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's tropical climate and the UV levels often reaching extremes—peaking at an impressive 14 around midday—awareness of these UV levels can help residents and visitors take appropriate sun safety measures. By keeping track of the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun while minimizing risks associated with excessive exposure, ensuring that your outdoor adventures remain both 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 |
The UV Index in our region fluctuates slightly throughout the year, with the highest readings occurring from February to April, peaking at 16 in March. During these months, the risk for sunburn is classified as extreme, with a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious from February to April, as these are the high-risk months for UV exposure. It's essential to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade whenever possible to mitigate risks throughout the year, especially since UV levels remain high even in the later months with readings of 15 in August and 14 through October. Prioritize sun safety to enjoy outdoor activities without compromising your health.
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 |
| Medellin UVI | 14 | 15 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
| San Rafael | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 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 |