Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Barranquilla, Colombia is crucial for safeguarding your skin and promoting overall health. With its warm tropical climate, Barranquilla experiences high UV levels, particularly during midday, where the index peaks at a staggering 13—indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Awareness of the UV Index can empower you to take proactive steps against sunburn and long-term skin damage, helping you enjoy the beautiful sunny days safely. Stay informed and protect your skin by monitoring daily UV levels in this vibrant coastal city!
The UV Index fluctuates significantly throughout the day, peaking at 13 during the late morning and early afternoon hours. Starting out gently at 1 at 07:00, the index rises steadily, reaching 4 by 08:00, and then surging to a striking 10 by 10:00. The sun’s intensity continues to climb, hitting its maximum values of 13 at both 11:00 and 12:00. As the day progresses, the UV levels begin to taper off, dropping to 12 at 13:00, and then rolling down to 9 by 14:00. In the afternoon, the index decreases further, settling at 5 at 15:00 before dwindling to 3 at 16:00. The evening sees a sharp decline, with values falling back to 1 by 17:00 and then retreating to 0 after sunset. This hourly data underscores the importance of sun protection during peak UV times, especially from late 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | 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 experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, remaining at an extreme level from January through November, with only a slight decrease in December where it falls to very high. The months of March and April present the highest UV Index, reaching 14, suggesting particularly intense sun exposure and a burn time of just 10 minutes. High-risk months for UV exposure include February to September, when the Index consistently remains between 12 and 14. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barranquilla | 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 |
| 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 |