Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Cúcuta, Colombia, where sunny days can quickly lead to harmful UV exposure. Knowledge of UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. Given Cúcuta's tropical climate, with maximum UV Index readings peaking at 13 around midday, staying informed about these daily fluctuations can help you enjoy the sun safely while minimizing risks associated with overexposure. Awareness of the UV Index is your first line of defense against skin damage in this vibrant city!
The UV Index today offers a clear picture of solar intensity throughout the day, peaking dramatically as the sun rises higher in the sky. Starting from a mild 1 at 07:00, the index quickly climbs to 4 by 08:00 and sharply escalates to 10 by 10:00. The midday sun reigns supreme, reaching its pinnacle at 13 by 12:00, and maintaining a robust score of 12 until 13:00. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity steadily declines, dipping to 5 at 15:00, and tapering off to 1 by 17:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index drops to 0 by 19:00, making it a day where sun safety is paramount during those peak hours, particularly between 10:00 and 14:00, when the sun's rays are at their most potent.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest readings occurring from March to May, when the index peaks at 15 during April and May. January to March also presents high-risk months, featuring extreme UV levels of 12 to 14 and a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. Even during the summer months of June to August, the UV Index remains extremely high at 13, maintaining the same brief burn time. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take protective measures such as wearing sunblock, protective clothing, sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risks associated with excessive UV exposure year-round. While there is a slight decrease in November and December, with indices dropping to 11, caution should still be exercised as the burn time remains critically short.
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 |
| Cucuta | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 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 |