Last updated: June 2, 2025
In San Miguel de Sema, Colombia, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With peak UV levels soaring as high as 15 during midday hours, understanding these fluctuations helps you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. Nestled in the temperate Cfb climate zone, this charming town is not exempt from the risks posed by intense sun exposure. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply soaking in the beauty of the region, awareness of the UV Index ensures that your sun-kissed moments remain safe and enjoyable.
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a striking pattern, starting with a mild 2 at 07:00 and steadily climbing to a peak of 15 by 12:00. From 08:00 onward, sun-seekers should be cautious as the index escalates; it hits 14 at 11:00 and a maximum of 12 at 10:00. As the afternoon approaches, the intensity begins to taper off, dropping to 10 by 14:00 and further decreasing to 6 at 15:00. The latter hours see a rapid decline, with the index falling to 1 by 17:00 and remaining there until it finally drops to 0 at 19:00. Overall, this data indicates the midday sun is particularly potent, urging everyone to take protective measures during peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 12 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains extremely high, with values peaking in March at 18 and staying significant until June, when the index begins to decrease slightly but still remains elevated at 15. The high-risk months for UV exposure are predominantly from January to May, where the UV Index consistently scores above 15, making burn times as short as 10 minutes for unprotected skin. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take necessary precautions during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of skin damage and sunburn. Remember, even in cooler months, UV radiation can still be harmful, so stay vigilant year-round.
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 |
| San Miguel de Sema | 15 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 |
| Bogota UVI | 15 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 |