UV Index in San Fernando, Colombia

Last updated: August 1, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in San Fernando, Colombia is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With peak UV levels often reaching 12 during midday, awareness of these readings can help you avoid painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. San Fernando's warm Aw climate means you're at a higher risk for UV exposure, particularly during the hours between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun's rays are most intense. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin's health.

Hourly UV Index in San Fernando

As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises significantly, reaching its peak at 12:00 PM with an impressive value of 12. Beginning the day at a manageable 1 at 07:00 AM, the index gradually climbs, hitting 11 by 11:00 AM and maintaining a strong 11 until 1:00 PM. Following this midday zenith, the UV levels begin to decline, dipping to 9 at 2:00 PM and further down to 6 by 3:00 PM. The late afternoon sees a gentle fall, as the index hovers back to 3 at 4:00 PM and eventually settles at 1 by 5:00 PM, wrapping up the day with no UV exposure at 7:00 PM. For those planning outdoor activities, the hours around noon present the highest risk, making protective measures essential during this sunny stretch!

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	3	moderate	30 min
09:00	6	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in San Fernando

Throughout the year, UV Index levels remain notably high, particularly during the peak months from March to May, where the index reaches an extreme level of 15 in April, classified as high-risk for sun exposure, and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Residents and visitors should be especially vigilant during these months, as consistent exposure can lead to severe skin damage. The summer months (June to August) also maintain high UV levels, though they slightly decrease, averaging 12 to 13 on the UV Index. Even in the transition to fall, from September to November, the levels stay consistently high. Only in December does the UV Index drop to 10 (very high), allowing for a marginally longer burn time of 15 minutes. Therefore, it is crucial for everyone to use effective sun protection measures—including sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade—year-round to minimize the risks of UV-related health issues.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for San Fernando, Colombia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in San Fernando. 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 San Fernando, 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 San Fernando UV Index with Other Colombia Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in San Fernando 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.

San Fernando'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
San Fernando	11	12	13	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