Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Guaitarilla, Colombia, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. This small town, nestled in a Cfb climate zone, experiences varying UV levels that can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage if not managed properly. Understanding UV exposure—especially during peak hours when the index soars to 15—can help you make informed decisions about sun protection, ensuring your outdoor activities remain enjoyable and safe. Whether you're walking through the beautiful hills or simply enjoying the sun, knowledge of UV levels is your best defense against harmful effects, allowing you to embrace the vibrant Colombian sun responsibly.
The UV Index today presents a dramatic rise from dawn to midday, reaching its peak at 12:00 PM with a striking 15. As the sun climbs in the sky, the intensity of UV radiation escalates quickly; starting at a low 1 at 7:00 AM, it surges to 10 by 10:00 AM and hits its highest point with 13 at 11:00 AM. A slight decline begins in the early afternoon, as the UV Index drops to 11 at 2:00 PM, before tapering off to 4 by 4:00 PM. As the day wanes, levels diminish further to 1 by 5:00 PM, settling at 0 by 7:00 PM. This pattern highlights the importance of sun safety during peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when protective measures are most crucial.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index data indicates consistently extreme exposure levels throughout the year, with high-risk months occurring from January to April and October. During these months, the UV Index peaks at 17 or higher, meaning unprotected skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, including wearing sunscreen with high SPF, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. Even in lower UV months from May to September, the index remains high, hovering between 14 and 16, necessitating ongoing sun safety practices. As winter approaches in November and December, although the UV Index decreases, it is still advisable to remain vigilant.
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 |
| 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 |
| Guaitarilla | 16 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 14 | 13 |