Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Barrancabermeja, Colombia is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health in this sun-drenched climate. With a tropical savanna climate (Am), Barrancabermeja experiences significant UV exposure, making it essential to stay informed about daily UV levels. High UV readings, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when values can peak at 12, can lead to severe sunburn and increase the risk of skin conditions. Being aware of the UV Index helps in taking proactive measures, ensuring that you enjoy the outdoors safely while keeping your skin health a top priority.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 3, indicating a slight increase in UV exposure. The intensity peaks dramatically at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, both reaching a scorching 12, signaling strong sunlight; this is the time for precaution! As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels gradually descend, with readings of 11 at 1:00 PM and tapering off to 5 by 3:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index returns to safer levels, dropping to 1 by 5:00 PM and fading to 0 by 7:00 PM, reminding us of the sun's fleeting power and the importance of sun safety during the brightest hours.
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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
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 |
Barrancabermeja | 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 |