Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Buenavista, Colombia, where the combination of tropical climate and high sun exposure creates significant risks for skin health. With UV levels peaking at 12 during midday hours, awareness can play a pivotal role in sunburn prevention and long-term skin protection. In this Aw climate zone, where sunny days are frequent, knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen is essential to safeguard against harmful UV radiation. Staying informed about the UV Index helps everyone enjoy the beautiful outdoors without compromising their skin’s well-being.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises significantly, reaching its peak at 12:00 PM with an impressive value of 12. Beginning the day at a manageable 1 at 07:00 AM, the index gradually climbs, hitting 11 by 11:00 AM and maintaining a strong 11 until 1:00 PM. Following this midday zenith, the UV levels begin to decline, dipping to 9 at 2:00 PM and further down to 6 by 3:00 PM. The late afternoon sees a gentle fall, as the index hovers back to 3 at 4:00 PM and eventually settles at 1 by 5:00 PM, wrapping up the day with no UV exposure at 7:00 PM. For those planning outdoor activities, the hours around noon present the highest risk, making protective measures essential during this sunny stretch!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels remain notably high, particularly during the peak months from March to May, where the index reaches an extreme level of 15 in April, classified as high-risk for sun exposure, and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Residents and visitors should be especially vigilant during these months, as consistent exposure can lead to severe skin damage. The summer months (June to August) also maintain high UV levels, though they slightly decrease, averaging 12 to 13 on the UV Index. Even in the transition to fall, from September to November, the levels stay consistently high. Only in December does the UV Index drop to 10 (very high), allowing for a marginally longer burn time of 15 minutes. Therefore, it is crucial for everyone to use effective sun protection measures—including sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade—year-round to minimize the risks of UV-related health issues.
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 |
| Buenavista | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 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 |