Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Lourdes, Colombia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for anyone looking to protect their skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also plays a significant role in long-term skin health. With a tropical climate characterized by high UV radiation peaks—reaching a maximum of 13 around midday—it's essential for residents and visitors alike to stay informed and take necessary precautions. With this knowledge, you can enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Lourdes while keeping your skin safe from the sun's harmful effects.
The UV Index throughout the day follows a striking pattern, peaking sharply at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a maximum value of 13. As the day begins, the UV levels are quite low, starting at 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to a moderate 4 by 8:00 AM. As 9:00 AM rolls around, the intensity escalates to 7, and by 10:00 AM, it reaches a strong 10. The intensity of UV radiation continues to soar, urging caution as it peaks at the midday hours. Following the zenith, the UV index gently descends, dropping to 9 at 2:00 PM and tapering downwards to 6 by 3:00 PM, before winding down to a mere 1 by 5:00 PM and 0 by 7:00 PM. This highlights the importance of sun protection during the peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index shows a consistent pattern of extreme exposure across the months, ranging from 11 to 16, with the highest readings occurring from March to April. Specifically, April has the peak UV Index of 16, marking it as the most critical month for sun exposure. While January through July maintain a high risk with values above 13, the months of February, March, April, and May are particularly perilous. Residents and visitors should take precautions year-round, especially during these high-risk months, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade when outdoors to minimize the risk of skin damage. Remember that even on cloudy days, UV rays can still penetrate, so stay vigilant!
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 |
Lourdes | 13 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 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 |