Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of La Jagua del Pilar, Colombia, where the tropical climate intensifies sun exposure throughout the day. With UV levels reaching as high as 13 around midday, awareness of these readings can play a vital role in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. By knowing when the sun is at its strongest, you can take proactive measures to safeguard yourself against harmful UV rays, which are especially potent in this region known for its sunny days. Stay informed and enjoy the sun safely!
The UV Index throughout the day follows a striking pattern, peaking sharply at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a maximum value of 13. As the day begins, the UV levels are quite low, starting at 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to a moderate 4 by 8:00 AM. As 9:00 AM rolls around, the intensity escalates to 7, and by 10:00 AM, it reaches a strong 10. The intensity of UV radiation continues to soar, urging caution as it peaks at the midday hours. Following the zenith, the UV index gently descends, dropping to 9 at 2:00 PM and tapering downwards to 6 by 3:00 PM, before winding down to a mere 1 by 5:00 PM and 0 by 7:00 PM. This highlights the importance of sun protection during the peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 |
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 |
| La Jagua del Pilar | 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 |