Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Valledupar, Colombia, where the climate embraces a warm tropical pattern with significant sun exposure. With UV levels soaring to 14 during midday—an indicator of extreme risk—awareness is key to protecting your skin from sunburn and long-term damage. By familiarizing yourself with daily UV fluctuations, you can take proactive steps for skin health, ensuring that your outdoor activities remain enjoyable while reducing the risk of harmful effects from the sun. In Valledupar, where the sun's rays are often intense, staying informed about the UV Index not only helps in sunburn prevention but also promotes overall well-being in this vibrant city.
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.
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 |
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.
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 |
Valledupar | 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 |