UV Index in Pasto, Colombia

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Pasto, Colombia is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With fluctuating UV levels throughout the day, awareness can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Pasto's climate, categorized as Csb, offers a unique mix of temperate conditions but can still pose notable UV exposure risks, particularly during midday hours when levels peak at a striking 16. By staying informed about UV Index trends, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing harmful effects from the sun.

Hourly UV Index in Pasto

At 07:00, the UV Index starts gently at 1, but by 08:00, it begins to rise, reaching 3. As the sun ascends, an increase in intensity is evident, soaring to 7 by 09:00. The peak of the day occurs between 11:00 and 12:00, where the UV Index hits its highest point at 16, emphasizing the need for sun protection during these hours. As the afternoon rolls in, the index gradually declines, dropping to 15 at 13:00 and further decreasing to 12 by 14:00. The latter part of the day sees a significant drop, with readings falling back to 7 at 15:00 and tapering off to 1 by 17:00. The UV levels finally relax to 0 by 19:00, marking the end of a sun-drenched day. Always stay vigilant and protect your skin during those peak hours!

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	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	12	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Pasto

The UV Index data indicates extreme levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year, with particularly high values in March (19) and April (19). Residents and visitors should be especially cautious during these months, as they coincide with the highest risk for skin damage and sunburn, requiring only 10 minutes of sun exposure to receive harmful effects. January through May also reflect high risk with UV Index values consistently above 17, while October through December demonstrate slightly reduced values, yet still pose a risk. It’s advisable to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure during peak hours from January through May and again in the fall, ensuring skin health is prioritized year-round.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Pasto, Colombia

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Pasto 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.

Pasto'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
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
Pasto	17	17	19	19	17	14	15	15	16	17	15	13