Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors in Pelaya, Colombia, where the climate is characterized by its warmth and consistent sunlight. Being aware of UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a crucial role in maintaining long-term skin health. In Pelaya, the UV Index can reach extreme levels, particularly around midday when values soar to as high as 14—indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Stay informed and take protective measures, especially during peak hours, to enjoy the vibrant outdoors while safeguarding your skin.
At 07:00, the UV Index begins at a mild 2, making it safe for outdoor activities. However, as the day progresses, the intensity of the sun ramps up rapidly, reaching a moderate 4 by 08:00. The UV Index peaks at an intense 14 around 11:00 and 12:00, presenting a significant risk of harm to unprotected skin. As the afternoon rolls in, values gradually dip, with 13 at 13:00 and then sliding down to 9 by 14:00. By 15:00, the index drops to 6, signaling a safer environment for outdoor fun. As the day winds down, the UV levels fall to 2 at 16:00, and taper off to 1 by 17:00, completely disappearing by 18:00. Overall, it's essential to manage sun exposure wisely, especially during the peak hours when UV radiation poses the highest threat.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits extreme levels throughout most of the year, with particularly high values from January to April, peaking at 15 in April and remaining above 12 until November. From May onwards, the index slightly declines but stays within the extreme range, indicating a consistent risk for skin damage from UV rays. December sees a drop to a very high level of 10, but burn times still remain short. Therefore, it is essential for both visitors and residents to take precautions, especially during the high-risk months of March to April, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently to mitigate the risk of sunburn.
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 |
Pelaya | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 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 |