Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of San Martin, Colombia, where the sun's rays can pose significant risks, especially during peak hours. With a tropical climate that often sees high UV levels, it's essential to be aware of the daily fluctuations to protect your skin from sunburn and long-term health issues. During sunny mornings, UV exposure can reach unsafe levels, peaking at 13 around noon, making it vital to take precautions. By monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin health and ensuring a safe experience in this vibrant region.
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 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 |