Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents and visitors of Tumaco, Colombia, a tropical paradise where the sun shines brightly throughout the year. With its tropical climate, Tumaco is exposed to high UV levels that can lead to sunburn and long-term skin health issues if proper precautions aren't taken. Awareness of daily UV levels, which peak at a dangerous 14 around midday, helps you plan outdoor activities safely and protect your skin from harmful effects. Stay informed to enjoy your time under the sun, while keeping your skin healthy and safe in this vibrant coastal region!
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.
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 |
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.
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 |
Tumaco | 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 |