Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents and visitors of Villagarzón, Colombia, where the lush, temperate climate (Cfb) can sometimes mask the intensity of UV radiation. With midday levels soaring as high as 13, awareness of UV exposure is key to preventing sunburn and ensuring long-term skin health. As daily activities often unfold under the bright Colombian sun, recognizing the risks associated with varying UV levels is essential for enjoying the outdoors safely. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can protect your skin and enjoy all that Villagarzón has to offer without the worry of harmful effects from the sun.
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a striking pattern, starting off at a mild level of 1 at 07:00, gradually increasing to 2 by 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the index surges to 5 at 09:00, and then hits a peak of 13 at 12:00. The sun is its strongest around 11:00 and 12:00, with values of 12 and 13 respectively, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After this zenith, the index starts to taper off, dropping to 10 at 14:00, and further declining to 6 by 15:00. The afternoon brings relief, with levels dropping to 3 at 16:00 and settling at 1 by the evening hours after 17:00, culminating in a UV Index of 0 by 19:00. This clear trend underscores the importance of sun safety during the peak hours of the day.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | 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 |
The UV Index throughout the year shows consistently high levels, particularly from January to April, where it peaks at 17 in March and April, categorizing these months as high-risk for skin damage due to extreme exposure. The UV Index begins to decline slightly in the summer months of June and July, but it remains at a dangerous level of 13. Visitors and residents should take precautions, as burn times are as short as 10 minutes during these months, particularly from January to October. Sunscreen should be applied liberally, protective clothing is recommended, and seeking shade during peak hours is advised to mitigate the risks associated with high UV exposure year-round.
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 |
| Villagarzon | 14 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 |
| 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 |