Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of La Florida, Colombia, where the combination of a mild climate and high UV exposure can significantly impact skin health. With UV levels peaking during midday hours—reaching a staggering 16—it's essential to stay informed about the potential for sunburn and long-term skin damage. Awareness of these UV levels not only aids in effective sun protection strategies but also encourages a healthier lifestyle as you enjoy the outdoors. In La Florida's temperate climate, where sunny days are frequent, being vigilant about UV exposure is the key to safeguarding your skin without compromising your enjoyment of the beautiful landscapes.
The UV Index over the course of the day shows a dramatic rise and fall, peaking sharply in the early afternoon hours. Starting at a mere 1 at 07:00, it climbs steadily, reaching a moderate 3 by 08:00. As the sun ascends, the index skyrockets, hitting a staggering 16 by 12:00, marking the sun’s relentless intensity. The highest point occurs at 11:00, with a blistering 15, before descending to 11 at 14:00 as the afternoon progresses. By 15:00, there's a noticeable decline to 7, and the evening brings a soothing drop, with the index falling back to 1 by 17:00 and finally resting at 0 after 19:00. This data underscores the importance of sun safety during peak hours, especially between 10:00 and 14:00.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 16 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | 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 |
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 |
| La Florida | 16 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 14 | 13 |