Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Riohacha, Colombia, where the tropical climate poses unique risks for sun exposure. With UV levels reaching a peak of 13 at noon, awareness of UV radiation is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting skin health. Regularly checking the UV Index helps everyone gauge when to seek shade, apply sunscreen, or cover up to protect against harmful effects. Given Riohacha's warm and sunny weather, being informed about UV levels is not just beneficial—it's vital for enjoying the beautiful outdoors safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins subtly, peaking at 1 by 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it climbs to a moderate level of 6, increasing to a striking 10 at 10:00 AM. At 11:00 AM, the intensity reaches its zenith with a sharp 12, and by 12:00 PM, it hits a scorching 13. The afternoon witnesses a gradual decline, with UV levels dropping to 12 by 1:00 PM, followed by a swift descent to 9 at 2:00 PM and further down to 5 by 3:00 PM. As the day winds down, UV exposure diminishes, falling to 3 at 4:00 PM, and finally settling back to 1 by 5:00 PM. The UV index ends the day at 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe retreat from sun exposure. This hourly fluctuation highlights the importance of sun safety, especially during peak hours when UV radiation is at its most intense.
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 | 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 experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest values occurring from March to April, where it peaks at 15, indicating an extreme exposure category and a burn time of just 10 minutes. February also records a high of 12, while November and December see a decrease to a very high rating of 10, extending burn time to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to exercise extreme caution from March to April, as well as in February, and to take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing during these high-risk months. For the remainder of the year, while UV exposure is slightly lower, maintaining sun safety practices is still highly recommended.
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 |
Riohacha | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 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 |
Bogota UVI | 15 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 |