Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Puerto Gaitán, Colombia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the region's tropical climate, understanding the daily fluctuations in UV levels helps residents and visitors alike take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. During peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 1 PM when the UV Index can soar as high as 13, it’s essential to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and regularly apply sunscreen. By staying informed about UV exposure risks, you can enjoy the beautiful sun-soaked days of Puerto Gaitán while protecting your skin's health.
The UV Index reveals a striking pattern throughout the day, peaking dramatically around noon. Starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00, the index climbs steadily, hitting 3 by 08:00 before surging to 10 at 10:00 and reaching its maximum of 13 at 12:00. This midday high suggests the need for strong sun protection as the intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, dropping to 9 at 14:00 and further declining to a moderate 5 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index drops sharply to 2 at 16:00 and returns to its morning levels with a 1 at 17:00 and 0 from 18:00 onward. For sun-enthusiasts and safety-conscious individuals alike, the data paints a clear picture: the hours around midday demand the utmost vigilance against UV exposure!
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 | 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 | 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, the UV Index remains consistently high, indicating extreme exposure risk for visitors and residents alike. Peak UV levels occur from February to April, with the index reaching 15 to 16, warranting strong caution due to a burn time of just 10 minutes. Even in the summer months of June to August, the index remains at 13, highlighting the need for ongoing sun protection. As autumn approaches, the UV levels only slightly drop, with September seeing a UV Index of 14, and by November and December settling at 12. It is crucial for everyone to take proactive measures, such as applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during these high-risk months.
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 |
Puerto Gaitan | 13 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 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 |