Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Puerto Santander, Colombia, where the sun shines brightly thanks to its tropical climate. Awareness of the UV levels can significantly help in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, especially during peak hours when UV radiation can reach harmful levels. With indices soaring to 12 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, it's essential to be mindful of exposure risks to enjoy the beautiful, sunny days safely. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take the necessary precautions to safeguard your skin while taking full advantage of Puerto Santander's vibrant outdoor lifestyle.
The UV Index shows a dynamic rise and fall throughout the day, peaking at an intense 12 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Early in the morning, at 07:00, it starts off mild at 1, gradually climbing to 4 by 08:00 and reaching 6 by 09:00. From 10:00 AM, the sun's rays become increasingly powerful, hitting 10 before the midday peak. As the afternoon progresses, the numbers begin to wane, dropping to 8 at 2:00 PM and further declining to 5 by 3:00 PM. The UV Index then falls sharply to 2 at 4:00 PM, and as evening approaches, it fades to 1 at 5:00 PM, finally settling at 0 by 7:00 PM. This clear trajectory highlights the importance of sun protection during those harsh noon hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 8 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels remain consistently high, indicating extreme exposure risks from January to October, with the highest index reached in April at 15. The months of March through October pose the greatest danger, characterized by a UV Index ranging from 12 to 15, where a mere 10 minutes of sun exposure can lead to burns. December is slightly better, with a UV Index of 10 classified as very high, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to exercise caution during these high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing to mitigate health risks associated with excessive sun exposure.
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 |
Puerto Santander | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
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 |