Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Barranca de Upia, Colombia, where high altitudes and a tropical climate contribute to significant sun exposure. With peak UV levels reaching a severe 13 during midday, awareness is key to protecting skin health and preventing painful sunburns. Being informed about these daily fluctuations ensures you can enjoy the vibrant outdoors while minimizing risks associated with intense UV radiation. As the sun climbs in the sky, knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen can make all the difference in maintaining long-term skin health in this beautiful region.
The UV Index data reveals a dramatic rise in sun exposure throughout the day. Starting at a low 1 at 07:00, the index escalates to a peak of 13 by 12:00, marking the sun's most intense rays. From 10:00 to 13:00, the risk for harmful UV exposure is particularly high, reaching an impressive 12 during peak hours. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, falling to 5 by 15:00 and tapering off to 0 by 19:00. This data underscores the importance of sun safety, especially during peak hours when the UV Index can soar, encouraging folks to seek shade or apply sunscreen for protection.
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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels remain notably high, with extreme exposure categories dominating from January to June, and continuing through to September. The highest UV Index readings occur in March and April at 16, which marks them as the peak months when caution is essential. Visitors and residents should be aware that during these months, along with February and May (which also see high values of 14 and 15, respectively), the burn time is as short as 10 minutes, emphasizing the need for protective measures. Even in the remaining months, such as October and November, the UV Index stays in the 12-13 range, still requiring vigilance. It is advisable for everyone to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure, especially during midday hours, to minimize the risk of skin damage year-round.
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 |
Barranca de Upia | 13 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 |
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 |