Last updated: July 2, 2025
In El Retorno, Colombia, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against the sun's harmful effects. With high UV levels peaking at 13 around midday, understanding these fluctuations can empower residents and visitors alike to take essential precautions for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. The warm, tropical climate of El Retorno, categorized as Af, brings invigorating sunshine but also increased exposure risks, making it paramount to check the UV Index daily. By being aware of these levels, you can enjoy the vibrant outdoors while protecting your skin from potential damage.
The UV Index reveals a striking pattern throughout the day, peaking dramatically around noon. Starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00, the index climbs steadily, hitting 3 by 08:00 before surging to 10 at 10:00 and reaching its maximum of 13 at 12:00. This midday high suggests the need for strong sun protection as the intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, dropping to 9 at 14:00 and further declining to a moderate 5 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index drops sharply to 2 at 16:00 and returns to its morning levels with a 1 at 17:00 and 0 from 18:00 onward. For sun-enthusiasts and safety-conscious individuals alike, the data paints a clear picture: the hours around midday demand the utmost vigilance against UV exposure!
| 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 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences consistently high levels throughout the year, with extreme exposure categories noted from January to June and continuing into the latter half of the year. Notably, April records the highest UV Index at 16, while January and June are slightly lower at 13. Residents and visitors should be particularly cautious from February to May, which represent the peak months for UV exposure, with burn times as brief as 10 minutes. It is essential to take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses during these high-risk months to avoid harmful skin damage. As UV levels remain extreme even in the fall and winter months, continuous vigilance is advised year-round.
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 |
| El Retorno | 13 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 |
| 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 |