Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Santa Rosa, Colombia, where the rich, tropical climate exposes you to varying UV levels throughout the day. With peak UV Index values soaring to 16 between noon and early afternoon, awareness is key to preventing sunburn and safeguarding your skin health. As the sun's intensity fluctuates daily, knowing how to react to different UV levels helps you enjoy the outdoors while minimizing risks. Stay informed about Santa Rosa's unique climate and typical exposure risks to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful UV radiation.
As the sun rises at 07:00, the UV Index begins at a mild 1, making it a safe time for early risers. By 08:00, it climbs to 3, indicating a slight increase in exposure. However, as the day progresses, enthusiasts of outdoor activities should be vigilant from 09:00, when the index peaks at a robust 7. The true intensity hits at 10:00, reaching a striking 11, and continues to escalate to its maximal level of 16 by 12:00. For those basking in the midday sun, the 11:00 mark also reflects a potent 15. While 13:00 sees a small drop to 15, it remains crucial to stay protected. The afternoon starts cooling down, with values tapering off to 11 at 14:00 and back to 7 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the risk diminishes significantly: 3 at 16:00, returning to 1 by 17:00, and finally resting at 0 after 18:00. This dramatic fluctuation serves as a reminder to prioritize sun safety when the UV Index is highest!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 16 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels remain consistently high, with extreme exposure categories noted from January to December. The highest readings occur in March at 18 and in April at 18, making these months particularly high-risk for UV exposure. Visitors and residents are urged to be vigilant, as the recommended burn time remains as short as 10 minutes across all months. To protect against potential skin damage, it is essential to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours, especially from March to June when UV index levels peak.
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 |
| Bogota UVI | 15 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 |
| Santa Rosa | 16 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 |