UV Index in San Jose, Colombia

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in San José, Colombia is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's tropical climate, residents and visitors face significant UV exposure, particularly during peak hours when the index can reach 14—a level that poses a serious risk for sunburn and long-term skin damage. By being aware of UV levels, you can take essential precautions to enjoy the sun safely, minimizing harmful effects while maximizing your time outdoors. Whether you're enjoying the vibrant culture or the stunning natural landscapes, staying informed about the UV Index is key to maintaining your skin's health and well-being in this beautiful locale.

Hourly UV Index in San Jose

As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs, peaking at 14 around 12:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. From the early morning 1 at 7:00 AM, it swiftly escalates to 6 by 9:00 AM, then surges to its maximum intensity of 13 at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. After the midday peak, the UV levels start to decline, dropping to 6 by 3:00 PM, and tapering off to 1 by 5:00 PM. By 7:00 PM, the UV Index falls to 0, ensuring a safe environment for evening activities. For those venturing outdoors, sun safety precautions are essential during the high-risk hours, particularly from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

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	6	high	25 min
10:00	9	very high	15 min
11:00	13	extreme	10 min
12:00	14	extreme	10 min
13:00	13	extreme	10 min
14:00	10	very high	15 min
15:00	6	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 San Jose

Throughout the year, the UV Index in this region remains consistently high, reaching extreme levels from January to May, with a peak of 15 in March and April. The high-risk months for UV exposure are January through May, when the burn time is critically short at just 10 minutes for all months listed. Although the UV Index slightly decreases during the summer and fall months, it remains dangerously high, with values around 12 to 13 from June to November. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautionary measures year-round, such as wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen with adequate SPF, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure during peak hours to mitigate the risk of skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for San Jose, Colombia

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in San Jose 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.

San Jose'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
San Jose	14	14	15	15	14	12	13	13	13	13	12	11
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