UV Index in Tumaco, Colombia

Last updated: August 1, 2025

In Tumaco, Colombia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. As a coastal city with an Af climate, Tumaco experiences high UV exposure, especially during peak hours when the UV Index can soar to 13. Being aware of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the sun safely. With peak UV readings around 11 AM to 1 PM, it’s essential to plan outdoor activities accordingly to protect yourself from harmful rays. Stay informed and take proactive measures to enjoy Tumaco’s beautiful beaches while keeping your skin healthy!

Hourly UV Index in Tumaco

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, hitting a mild 1 by 7:00 AM. The intensity grows steadily, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM and then surging to 5 at 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, the index peaks at a robust 8, warning of increasing exposure risk. 11:00 AM sees the UV rays intensify to an impressive 11, leading to a maximum of 13 at 12:00 PM, making it critical to stay protected. The afternoon sun starts to mellow out, dropping to 12 by 1:00 PM, then gradually tapering off to 10 at 2:00 PM, 6 at 3:00 PM, and further declining to 3 at 4:00 PM. Finally, as evening descends, the index falls to 1 by 5:00 PM and remains at that level through 6:00 PM, until fading to 0 after sunset at 7:00 PM. Stay vigilant and shield yourself during those peak midday 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	2	low	45 min
09:00	5	moderate	30 min
10:00	8	very high	15 min
11:00	11	extreme	10 min
12:00	13	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	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 Tumaco

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 Tumaco, Colombia

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Tumaco 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.

Tumaco'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
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