Last updated: June 2, 2025
In San Martin, Colombia, understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. With high UV levels, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, awareness of these readings can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. The region's tropical climate intensifies UV exposure, making it crucial to know when to seek shade or apply sunscreen. Stay informed and enjoy the sun safely by keeping an eye on the UV Index, especially during peak hours when levels can soar to a striking 13!
The UV Index fluctuates significantly throughout the day, peaking at 13 during the late morning and early afternoon hours. Starting out gently at 1 at 07:00, the index rises steadily, reaching 4 by 08:00, and then surging to a striking 10 by 10:00. The sun’s intensity continues to climb, hitting its maximum values of 13 at both 11:00 and 12:00. As the day progresses, the UV levels begin to taper off, dropping to 12 at 13:00, and then rolling down to 9 by 14:00. In the afternoon, the index decreases further, settling at 5 at 15:00 before dwindling to 3 at 16:00. The evening sees a sharp decline, with values falling back to 1 by 17:00 and then retreating to 0 after sunset. This hourly data underscores the importance of sun protection during peak UV times, especially from late morning to early afternoon.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits extreme levels from January through May, peaking at 15 in April and remaining consistently high until October. During these months, a burn time of just 10 minutes is sufficient for unprotected skin, highlighting the high-risk months for sun exposure primarily from March to April. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. As the year progresses, although the UV Index slightly decreases, it remains a consideration; even in December, the index is rated as very high with a notable burn time of 15 minutes. Prioritizing sun safety year-round is essential.
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 |
| San Martin | 12 | 13 | 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 |