Last updated: July 2, 2025
In La Mesa, Colombia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential in preventing sunburn and minimizing long-term skin damage, especially during the region's peak sunlight hours. With a temperate climate, La Mesa experiences significant UV exposure, peaking with a dangerous index of 15 around midday. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful sun while keeping your skin healthy.
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of sun intensity throughout the day: starting off gently at 07:00 with a modest 1, it quickly escalates as the sun rises. By 09:00, it spikes to 7, signaling a stronger need for sun protection. The peak arrives at 12:00, reaching a formidable 15, as many seek shade or cover. As afternoon rolls in, the index gradually declines, dipping to 6 by 15:00 and tapering off to 1 by 17:00. By nightfall at 19:00, the UV risk is nearly nonexistent, resting at 0. This pattern highlights the sun's potent midday strength, warranting caution and preparation during the hottest hours.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains at extremely high levels, peaking from February to April with values reaching up to 17. High-risk months for UV exposure are therefore concentrated in the early part of the year, particularly March and April, when visitors and residents should take extra precautions to protect their skin. With a burn time consistently clocked at just 10 minutes during these months, it is crucial to practice sun safety by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade whenever possible. As UV levels remain elevated consistently, it is advisable for everyone to remain vigilant year-round to mitigate long-term health risks associated with excessive sun exposure.
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 |
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 |
La Mesa | 14 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 13 |
Bogota UVI | 15 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 |