UV Index in La Palma, Colombia

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In La Palma, Colombia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. As a tropical destination characterized by its Aw climate, residents and visitors are exposed to high UV levels, especially during midday when the index can soar to a staggering 14. Understanding UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and reduces skin cancer risks. With the sun’s intensity peaking between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, staying informed allows you to take proactive steps to shield yourself from harmful rays while enjoying the vibrant outdoors of La Palma.

Hourly UV Index in La Palma

The UV Index for the day follows a distinct pattern, peaking sharply during the late morning and early afternoon hours. Starting at a low 1 at 07:00, the index climbs to 3 by 08:00, then skyrockets to 10 at 10:00 and reaches its zenith of 14 at 12:00. With peak levels from 11:00 to 12:00, it's essential to protect yourself from the intense sun, as the UV Index dips back down to 9 by 14:00. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity wanes, falling to 5 by 15:00, and rounding out the day with gentle values of 2 at 16:00 and 1 from 17:00 onward, ultimately settling at 0 by 19:00. Be sure to stay safe during peak hours!

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	1	low	45 min
08:00	3	moderate	30 min
09:00	7	high	25 min
10:00	10	very high	15 min
11:00	13	extreme	10 min
12:00	14	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in La Palma

The UV Index in this region remains consistently high throughout the year, peaking during the early months with values reaching a maximum of 16 in March and April. January through May are particularly high-risk months, with all months showcasing an extreme exposure category and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Residents and visitors should take precautions during these months, ensuring to wear protective clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses to minimize skin damage. From June to November, the UV Index gradually decreases but remains at an extreme level of 12-14, maintaining a burn time of 10 minutes. Therefore, it's crucial to stay vigilant about sun protection year-round, as sun safety should be a priority regardless of the season.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for La Palma, Colombia

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in La Palma 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.

La Palma'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
La Palma	13	14	16	16	15	14	13	14	14	14	12	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