Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of El Paso, Colombia, where the warm climate can lead to significant sun exposure. With UV levels often peaking around midday, reaching a maximum index of 13, awareness of these levels becomes essential for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. The prevalent Aw climate means long hours of sunlight, making it vital to stay informed about potential risks and take proactive measures to safeguard against harmful UV radiation. By tuning into the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
As the sun rises over the horizon, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 at 07:00, gradually increasing as the day unfolds. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 6, prompting sun seekers to take note. The intensity peaks at 12:00 with a striking 13, marking the sun’s zenith, before slowly declining throughout the afternoon. At 13:00, it sits at 11, and by 15:00, it drops to 5, signaling a more manageable exposure for those outdoors. The sun begins to retreat, and by 17:00, the index falls back to 1, finally settling at 0 by 19:00, as evening approaches. This hourly dance of the UV Index not only highlights the day's sunlit energy but also serves as a reminder for sun safety throughout the day.
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 | 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index displays significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking from February to April with values reaching as high as 15 in April, indicating an extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. The highest-risk months for UV exposure are March and April, where precautions are especially crucial. Throughout the year, residents and visitors should remain vigilant, particularly during these months, and take appropriate measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours. Even during December and November, when the UV Index is slightly lower at 11 and 10, respectively, the risk of skin damage remains significant, emphasizing the need for continued sun safety practices.
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 |
El Paso | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 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 |