Last updated: July 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in El Dificil, Colombia, where the climate typifies the tropical wet and dry zone (Aw). Understanding UV levels is essential for protecting your skin from sunburn and long-term health issues. With peak UV readings reaching 12 around midday, the risk of harmful exposure is significant, making it imperative to take precautions. The abundant sunshine and high UV levels characteristic of El Dificil mean that staying informed is not just beneficial, but vital for maintaining skin health and enjoying the outdoors safely.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a modest 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it rises to 3, signaling that sunlight is becoming more potent. But the real intensity hits around 10:00, with the index soaring to 9, peaking at 12 by 12:00. This midday sun delivers the highest UV radiation, reaching its zenith at 11 by 11:00. Afterward, the index begins its descent, dropping to 9 at 14:00, before tapering off to 5 by 15:00, and dwindling to 3 at 16:00. By evening, the UV levels return to 1 at 17:00, and fade to 0 by 19:00, wrapping up a significant day under the sun. Stay protected during those peak hours when UV exposure is at its highest!
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 | 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 |
Seasonal UV changes reveal consistently high UV Index numbers throughout the year, with the peak occurring between March and May, where the UV Index reaches 14. High-risk months for UV exposure are notably from February to May, characterized by an extreme exposure category and a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. While June to October maintain similarly high levels, December sees a slight decrease, classified as very high with a burn time of 15 minutes. To protect against harmful UV rays, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to wear protective clothing, use broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade, especially during the peak hours of sun exposure.
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 |
El Dificil | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 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 |