Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in El Peñón, Colombia, where the combination of its tropical Aw climate and high solar exposure presents unique risks. With UV levels peaking at a staggering 13 around noon, awareness can help you protect your skin from the perils of sunburn and long-term health issues. By staying informed about the daily UV fluctuations, you can enjoy the sunshine while safeguarding your skin, ensuring a healthier and more vibrant experience in this beautiful region. Remember, the sun is strongest between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, making it essential to take precautions during these hours to minimize exposure.
The UV Index data reveals a dynamic day of sun exposure. Starting at 1 at 07:00, the intensity quickly escalates as the sun rises, peaking at an intense 13 by 12:00. From 10:00 to 12:00, levels reach their highest, with 10 at 10:00 and a scorching 12 at 11:00. As the afternoon progresses, readings decline, dropping sharply to 5 by 15:00, before tapering off to 1 at 17:00 and below. This daily rhythm underscores the importance of sun safety, especially during the mid-day peak when UV levels can pose significant risks. Remember to seek shade or apply sunscreen when the index climbs!
| 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 | 12 | 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 shows significant seasonal changes, with consistently extreme levels from January through November, and a slight decrease in December. The highest UV Index occurs in March and April, peaking at 14 and 15, respectively, where burn time is notably short at just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be especially cautious during the months of March and April, where the UV exposure is the highest, posing greater risks for skin damage. In all extreme UV months, protective measures are critical; wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade to minimize UV exposure. In December, while the UV Index drops to 10 with a burn time of 15 minutes, caution is still advised due to the potential for high sun intensity. Overall, maintaining awareness of UV levels and protecting oneself throughout the year is essential for health and safety.
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 |
| El Penon | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 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 |