UV Index in Santa Marta, Colombia

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Santa Marta, Colombia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. With a tropical climate that boasts abundant sunshine, understanding UV levels is essential to prevent sunburn and maintain overall skin health. The UV Index can soar to a peak of 13 during midday hours, presenting significant risks for both locals and visitors alike. By being informed about the daily UV fluctuations—from moderate at 08:00 to extreme at 12:00—you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin against the potential dangers of overexposure.

Hourly UV Index in Santa Marta

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, peaking dramatically around 12:00 PM with a high of 13, making midday the most critical time for sun exposure. Starting from a mild 1 at 07:00, the index steadily rises, reaching 10 by 10:00 AM and hitting 12 by 11:00 AM, indicating the need for protective measures. The intensity starts to taper off in the afternoon, with readings of 9 at 2:00 PM and 6 by 3:00 PM, before descending to 1 by 5:00 PM and dropping to 0 at 7:00 PM. It's clear that during these hours, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, caution is key for those venturing outdoors.

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	1	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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Santa Marta

The UV Index displays significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking from February to April with values reaching as high as 15 in April, indicating an extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. The highest-risk months for UV exposure are March and April, where precautions are especially crucial. Throughout the year, residents and visitors should remain vigilant, particularly during these months, and take appropriate measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours. Even during December and November, when the UV Index is slightly lower at 11 and 10, respectively, the risk of skin damage remains significant, emphasizing the need for continued sun safety practices.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Santa Marta, Colombia

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Santa Marta 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.

Santa Marta'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
Santa Marta	11	12	14	15	14	13	13	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