Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Buenavista, Colombia, where the tropical climate can lead to significant sun exposure risks. With UV levels soaring as high as 13 at noon, awareness of these levels is crucial for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. Given Buenavista's high UV exposure, recognizing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen is vital for protecting yourself and enjoying the sun safely. Stay informed and take the necessary precautions to embrace the beautiful weather without the burn!
The UV Index data reveals a dynamic day of sun exposure. Starting at 1 at 07:00, the intensity quickly escalates as the sun rises, peaking at an intense 13 by 12:00. From 10:00 to 12:00, levels reach their highest, with 10 at 10:00 and a scorching 12 at 11:00. As the afternoon progresses, readings decline, dropping sharply to 5 by 15:00, before tapering off to 1 at 17:00 and below. This daily rhythm underscores the importance of sun safety, especially during the mid-day peak when UV levels can pose significant risks. Remember to seek shade or apply sunscreen when the index climbs!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | 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 | 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 |
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 |