Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Valparaíso, Colombia, where the sun’s rays can pose significant health risks. With UV levels peaking during midday—hitting a maximum of 13—awareness of these radiation levels is essential for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. Valparaíso's Af climate leads to high UV exposure, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, making it all the more important to monitor the UV Index daily. By staying informed, you can enjoy the beauty of this vibrant coastal city while protecting your skin from potential harm.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at 1 by 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to a moderate 3 by 8:00 AM. The intensity peaks at 12:00 PM with a striking 13, signaling a high level of UV exposure. As the day progresses, the index then begins its descent, dropping from 12 at 1:00 PM to 9 by 2:00 PM, before tapering off to 6 at 3:00 PM. The evening brings a soothing decline, returning to a safe 1 by 5:00 PM and settling at 0 by 7:00 PM. For optimal protection, it's best to limit sun exposure during the peak hours of 10 AM to 2 PM when UV levels are at their highest.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 9 | 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 | 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 in the region remains consistently high, with values ranging from 12 to 16, categorized as extreme. The months of March, April, and October exhibit the highest UV readings, peaking at 16, while January and December show slightly lower levels at 13 and 12, respectively. Notably, the high-risk months for UV exposure are February, March, and April, where the burn time is as quick as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during these peak months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of skin damage. Staying vigilant against UV exposure is crucial year-round due to the extreme nature of the index.
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 |
Valparaiso | 13 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 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 |