UV Index in San Diego, Colombia

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in San Diego, Colombia, where the sun's intensity can vary significantly throughout the day. With UV levels often peaking between 10 AM and 1 PM, awareness of these fluctuations is vital for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. Nestled in a tropical climate, San Diego enjoys abundant sunshine, but this also means higher exposure risks to harmful ultraviolet rays. Stay informed and protect yourself from the sun's extremes; knowing the UV Index can help you enjoy the outdoors safely!

Hourly UV Index in San Diego

The UV Index throughout the day showcases a striking pattern of intensity, peaking at 14 between 11:00 and 12:00. Starting from a minimal 2 at 07:00, the index surges to 8 by 09:00, reaching a critical high of 11 at 10:00. After its zenith of 14, the index steadily declines, dropping to 5 by 15:00, and further plunging to a mere 1 by 17:00. By the evening, it tapers off completely, hitting 0 by 18:00 and remaining there until the day closes at 19:00. This data underscores the importance of protecting your skin during the peak hours of 11 AM to 1 PM, when the sun's rays are most potent.

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	2	low	45 min
08:00	4	moderate	30 min
09:00	8	very high	15 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	5	moderate	30 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

Monthly UV Index Trends in San Diego

The UV Index data reveals a pronounced seasonality in UV exposure, with consistently high levels categorized as extreme from January through February, peaking at 15 in March through May, before gradually declining to levels of 11 by November and December. The high-risk months are notably March through May, where the UV Index remains at its highest, emphasizing the need for diligent sun protection. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to limit sun exposure to 10 minutes during these months, wear protective clothing, use broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade whenever possible to mitigate skin damage. Even in the somewhat lower UV months towards the end of the year, caution is still necessary due to remaining elevated UV levels.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for San Diego, Colombia

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in San Diego 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.

San Diego'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
San Diego	12	13	15	15	15	13	13	14	13	14	11	11
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