UV Index in San Francisco, Colombia

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in San Francisco, Colombia, is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. With high UV levels peaking around midday, awareness of these fluctuations can help you prevent harmful sunburns and long-term skin damage. The city's unique Cfb climate creates specific exposure risks, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM when the UV Index can soar to 15. Stay informed and make sun safety a priority to enjoy the sunny beauty of San Francisco while shielding yourself from UV rays.

Hourly UV Index in San Francisco

The UV Index today presents a dramatic rise from dawn to midday, reaching its peak at 12:00 PM with a striking 15. As the sun climbs in the sky, the intensity of UV radiation escalates quickly; starting at a low 1 at 7:00 AM, it surges to 10 by 10:00 AM and hits its highest point with 13 at 11:00 AM. A slight decline begins in the early afternoon, as the UV Index drops to 11 at 2:00 PM, before tapering off to 4 by 4:00 PM. As the day wanes, levels diminish further to 1 by 5:00 PM, settling at 0 by 7:00 PM. This pattern highlights the importance of sun safety during peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when protective measures are most crucial.

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	3	moderate	30 min
09:00	6	high	25 min
10:00	10	very high	15 min
11:00	13	extreme	10 min
12:00	15	extreme	10 min
13:00	14	extreme	10 min
14:00	11	extreme	10 min
15:00	7	high	25 min
16:00	4	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 San Francisco

The UV Index data indicates extreme levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year, with particularly high values in March (19) and April (19). Residents and visitors should be especially cautious during these months, as they coincide with the highest risk for skin damage and sunburn, requiring only 10 minutes of sun exposure to receive harmful effects. January through May also reflect high risk with UV Index values consistently above 17, while October through December demonstrate slightly reduced values, yet still pose a risk. It’s advisable to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure during peak hours from January through May and again in the fall, ensuring skin health is prioritized year-round.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for San Francisco, Colombia

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in San Francisco 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.

San Francisco'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
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
San Francisco	17	17	19	19	17	14	15	15	16	17	15	13