UV Index in Santa Maria, Colombia

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Santa Maria, Colombia is vital for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health in this beautiful region. With its tropical climate, residents and visitors alike face significant UV exposure, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to levels as high as 14. Being aware of UV levels is crucial for sunburn prevention and reducing long-term skin damage. From morning sun to the intense midday rays, staying informed about the UV Index empowers you to take necessary precautions and enjoy the sunshine safely.

Hourly UV Index in Santa Maria

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it peaks at 3, hinting at the day’s potential. But the real intensity comes as the morning progresses, soaring to 7 by 09:00 and reaching its maximum of 14 at 12:00—a potent reminder to protect your skin. As the afternoon unfolds, the UV Index gradually dips, descending to 12 at 13:00 before tapering off to 3 by 16:00. Finally, as the sun sets, the UV eases back to 1 at 17:00 and then falls to 0 by 18:00 and 19:00, signaling the end of a day marked by strong solar rays. Make sure to stay safe during the peak hours!

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	7	high	25 min
10:00	10	very high	15 min
11:00	13	extreme	10 min
12:00	14	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	9	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Santa Maria

The UV Index remains consistently high throughout the year, with extreme levels present from January to May and a slight decrease in the following months. March sees the peak UV Index of 16, while other months maintain readings between 12 and 14. Notably, the high-risk months for sun exposure are from January to May, where the burn time is just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months by wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of harmful UV exposure.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Santa Maria, Colombia

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Santa Maria 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.

Santa Maria'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
Santa Maria	14	14	16	16	15	14	14	14	14	14	13	12
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