UV Index in Riohacha, Colombia

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Riohacha, Colombia, where the warm Aw climate offers abundant sunshine but also poses significant risks for skin health. With maximum UV levels soaring as high as 13 during midday hours, awareness of the UV Index helps you take necessary precautions to prevent sunburn and reduce long-term skin damage. By keeping an eye on these levels, you can enjoy the beautiful coastal landscapes while protecting yourself from harmful UV radiation. Prioritizing your skin's safety in this vibrant city of sun and surf is essential for a healthy, fun-filled experience.

Hourly UV Index in Riohacha

As the sun rises, the UV Index creeps up from a low of 2 at 07:00. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 7, signaling that sun protection is becoming essential. The peak intensity occurs at 12:00, when the UV Index soars to 13, a reminder of the midday sun's strength. From 11:00 to 13:00, it remains elevated, hitting a maximum of 12 before it gradually declines to 9 by 14:00. The late afternoon sees a noticeable drop, as the UV levels fall to 3 by 16:00. As the day winds down, the index drops to 1 by 17:00, then fades to 0 by 19:00, marking the end of a sun-drenched day. Remember to stay protected during those 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	2	low	45 min
08:00	4	moderate	30 min
09:00	7	high	25 min
10:00	10	very high	15 min
11:00	12	extreme	10 min
12:00	13	extreme	10 min
13:00	11	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Riohacha

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Riohacha, Colombia

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Riohacha 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.

Riohacha'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
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