Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Bogotá, Colombia, where altitude and proximity to the equator contribute to higher levels of UV radiation, especially during midday hours. With UV levels reaching a maximum of 15 around noon, awareness of these ratings is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. Bogotá's Cfb climate brings mild temperatures; however, this does not diminish the risk of overexposure during bright days. Stay informed and take the necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, peaking at 15 at noon. Starting from a manageable 1 at 7:00 AM, it swiftly increases to 4 by 8:00 AM before reaching 7 at 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it hits 11, signaling the need for sun protection, and continues to soar, reaching its highest point of 14 at 11:00 AM. Although it slightly dips to 13 by 1:00 PM, a notable decrease begins after 2:00 PM, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM, and further decreasing to 6 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon wanes, the index falls to 3 at 4:00 PM, finally dwindling to 1 by 5:00 PM and 0 after 6:00 PM. This hourly trend emphasizes the importance of seeking shade and applying sunscreen during the peak hours of potential sun exposure.
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 | 15 | 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 | 0 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index demonstrates a remarkably consistent pattern of extreme exposure levels throughout the year, with values ranging from 13 to 18. The highest risk months—from March to May—see peaks in the UV Index, suggesting a burn time of just 10 minutes during these periods. As a result, both residents and visitors are advised to take precautionary measures year-round, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during midday hours. Despite minor fluctuations, the elevated UV levels indicate that vigilance against sun exposure remains crucial throughout all months.
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 |
Cali UVI | 15 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
Bogota | 15 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 |