Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Fe de Antioquia, Colombia, where the sun’s rays can be both inviting and harmful. With a climate characterized by mild temperatures and abundant sunshine, raising awareness about UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. During peak hours, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, the UV Index can soar to extreme levels of 13-14, urging everyone to take protective measures. Staying informed about these risks not only enhances your outdoor experience but also safeguards your skin against potential damage from the sun's intense rays.
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!
| 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 |
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 |
| Santa Fe de Antioquia | 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 |