Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Santa Lucia, Colombia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With high UV levels peaking at 12 during midday, it's essential to stay informed about potential sunburn risks and skin damage. The area's warm Aw climate means that locals and visitors alike face increased exposure, making it vital to know when to seek shade and wear sunscreen. By being aware of the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while keeping your skin safe from harmful rays.
Starting the day with a low UV Index of 1 at 7:00 AM, the sun begins to assert its presence as the hours roll on. By 9:00 AM, it climbs to 6, marking the onset of a noticeable increase. The peak is reached at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, with the UV Index soaring to 12, warning sun seekers to stay protected. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity gradually declines, dipping to 9 at 2:00 PM, before further dropping to 6 at 3:00 PM. By late afternoon, from 4:00 PM onwards, it's back to safer levels, resting at 3 until 5:00 PM, then falling to 1 as the sun begins to set. By 7:00 PM, the UV threat dissipates altogether, registering 0. This pattern underscores the importance of sun safety, especially during peak hours!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit a pattern of extreme intensity, with values peaking at 14 in March and April. The high-risk months for UV exposure are clearly identified from February to October, where the UV Index consistently remains between 11 and 14, making outdoor activities particularly hazardous. During this period, the recommended burn time is as little as 10 minutes for lighter skin tones, emphasizing the need for caution. As a reminder for both visitors and residents, it is crucial to practice sun safety measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and hats, and seeking shade, particularly during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of skin damage. In contrast, December sees a slight decrease in UV exposure, though care should still be taken, as burn time increases to 15 minutes.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Lucia | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| 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 |
| 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 |