Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Villa de Leyva, Colombia is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With UV levels peaking at 15 during midday, awareness can prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. The region's Cfb climate brings ample sunshine, which means even a short exposure during peak hours (between 10 AM and 2 PM) can significantly elevate your risk. By staying vigilant and informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the stunning landscapes of Villa de Leyva while protecting your skin from harmful rays.
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 |
| Villa de Leyva | 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 |