UV Index in Popayan, Colombia

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Popayán, Colombia, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With intense sunlight peaking at a UV level of 17 around noon, awareness of these levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. As a city nestled within a Cfb climate zone, Popayán experiences a unique blend of temperatures and humidity, creating specific risks for UV exposure. By staying informed about daily UV readings, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the sun safely while minimizing potential harm.

Hourly UV Index in Popayan

The UV Index paints a striking picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. Starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, the UV levels swiftly rise, hitting 4 by 8:00 AM. The real surge commences at 9:00 AM, skyrocketing to 8 before peaking at 12 with a scorching 17 around noon. During the sun's zenith at 11:00 AM, the UV Index reaches its maximum of 15, urging outdoor enthusiasts to stay protected. As the afternoon rolls in, the intensity begins to wane: at 13:00, it drops to 15, then further declines to 12 by 14:00. By late afternoon, the UV Index decreases to a mild 3 at 16:00 and finally retreats to 1 by 17:00, with the sun’s influence fading to a 0 by 18:00 and 19:00. Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine, but don’t forget your sunscreen during those 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	4	moderate	30 min
09:00	8	very high	15 min
10:00	12	extreme	10 min
11:00	15	extreme	10 min
12:00	17	extreme	10 min
13:00	15	extreme	10 min
14:00	12	extreme	10 min
15:00	7	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 Popayan

Throughout the year, the UV Index remains consistently high, with values categorized as extreme, particularly from January to April when it peaks at 19. The highest risk months are February and March, where the index reaches 17 and 19, respectively, requiring less than 10 minutes for skin to burn. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, seeking shade, and limiting outdoor activities during peak sun hours. The UV Index remains notably high until June, after which it begins to slightly decrease but still remains critical throughout the summer. Staying vigilant about UV exposure is essential year-round, particularly in high-risk months.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Popayan, Colombia

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Popayan 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.

Popayan'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
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
Popayan	16	17	19	19	17	15	15	16	16	17	15	13