UV Index in Arenal, Colombia

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In the tropical paradise of Arenal, Colombia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. With Arenal's warm, tropical climate bringing high UV exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM when the index peaks at a hazardous 13, staying informed is essential for enjoying the sun safely. By monitoring the UV Index, you can make informed choices to safeguard yourself while exploring this stunning region.

Hourly UV Index in Arenal

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.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Arenal

The UV Index exhibits extreme levels throughout most of the year, with particularly high values from January to April, peaking at 15 in April and remaining above 12 until November. From May onwards, the index slightly declines but stays within the extreme range, indicating a consistent risk for skin damage from UV rays. December sees a drop to a very high level of 10, but burn times still remain short. Therefore, it is essential for both visitors and residents to take precautions, especially during the high-risk months of March to April, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently to mitigate the risk of sunburn.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Arenal, Colombia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Arenal. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Arenal, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Arenal UV Index with Other Colombia Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Arenal compares to other major locations across Colombia. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Arenal's solar exposure compared to other cities in Colombia. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Arenal	12	13	14	15	14	13	13	13	13	13	12	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