Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Nueva Granada, Colombia, where the combination of its tropical climate and high altitude can lead to significant sun exposure risks. Being aware of UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. With peak UV Index values soaring to 12—especially between 10 AM and 1 PM—it’s essential to take appropriate precautions to protect yourself from harmful ultraviolet rays. Knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in enjoying the vibrant outdoor activities that Nueva Granada has to offer while safeguarding your skin.
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 |
| Nueva Granada | 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 |