Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Puerto Rico, Colombia is essential for everyone who enjoys the beautiful, sun-drenched days that this tropical paradise offers. With high UV levels often peaking at 13 during midday, being aware of these fluctuations is crucial for sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. The county's Af climate contributes to an increased risk of UV exposure, making it vital for residents and visitors alike to understand how to protect themselves from harmful rays. Stay informed and embrace the sunshine safely!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises dramatically, peaking at 13 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, making this the most intense period for sun exposure. Starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the index climbs steadily, reaching a moderate 6 by 9:00 AM and hitting a significant 10 at 10:00 AM. The intensity starts to wane after the midday peak, with values dropping to 9 at 2:00 PM and gradually decreasing to 6 by 3:00 PM. As the sun begins to set, the UV levels retreat to a lower 3 at 4:00 PM, before falling to a 1 by 5:00 PM and finally resting at 0 after 6:00 PM. It highlights the importance of sun protection during midday hours, when the sun's rays are at their strongest.
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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | 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 |
The UV Index remains consistently high throughout the year in this region, with the most extreme exposure category highlighted from January to November, peaking at a UV Index of 17 in both March and April. High-risk months include March, April, and August, where the UV Index consistently stays at 15 or above, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. As a result, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take protective measures during these months, such as applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of harmful UV exposure. Remember, even in December and January, the UV Index remains at 13 or 14, indicating that protection is necessary 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 |
Puerto Rico | 14 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 |
Bogota UVI | 15 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 |