Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Bucaramanga, Colombia, where the beautiful tropical climate can expose you to significant UV radiation. With UV levels peaking as high as 14 around noon, awareness of these fluctuations is vital for sunburn prevention and overall skin health. The risk of damage increases dramatically during the peak hours of sunlight, underscoring the importance of protecting your skin even during outdoor activities. In Bucaramanga's pleasant climate, being informed about UV exposure not only helps safeguard your skin but also allows you to fully enjoy the stunning outdoor lifestyle this vibrant city has to offer.
The UV Index today presents a dynamic journey through the hours, starting mild at 07:00 with a score of 2. By 08:00, it climbs to 4, and then exponentially peaks at 14 during the noon hour of 12:00. The sun's intensity is a force to reckon with, reaching its zenith at 11:00 with a maximum of 13. However, as the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline; by 14:00, it drops to 9, and by 16:00, it further sinks to 3. The evening transitions into a safer zone, with values returning to 1 by 17:00 and 18:00, finally resting at 0 by 19:00. This data highlights the importance of sun protection, particularly during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | 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 | 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 exhibits extreme levels throughout the year, with notable peaks occurring from March to April, where it reaches 15 to 16 and maintains a high level into early May. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during February and March, when the index rises to 14 and 15, making these some of the highest-risk months for sun exposure, with a dangerously short burn time of just 10 minutes year-round. As such, it is crucial to adopt proactive sun protection measures, including using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially in midday hours. Even during the months of October and November, when the index decreases to 13 and 12, respectively, the risk remains significant, urging continued caution to prevent sun damage.
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 |
| Bucaramanga | 12 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 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 |