UV Index in La Paz, Colombia

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in La Paz, Colombia is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. High UV levels can lead to sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer, making it vital to stay informed about daily UV exposure. With its high-altitude climate, La Paz experiences intense sunlight, especially between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM, when UV indexes can peak at a staggering 14. By grasping the significance of these UV levels, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself, ensuring that your outdoor activities remain enjoyable and safe.

Hourly UV Index in La Paz

The UV Index during the day showcased a dynamic shift, beginning at a low 1 at 07:00, then escalating to a moderate 4 by 08:00. As the sun climbed higher, the intensity peaked at a formidable 14 around 12:00, marking it as the most intense hour of the day. Following this, the index gradually descended, hitting 12 at 13:00, before tapering off to 9 at 14:00. The afternoon witnessed a noticeable decline, with values plummeting to 5 by 15:00, and further reducing to 3 at 16:00. As evening approached, the UV Index dwindled to 1 by 17:00, tapering off to 0 by 19:00. This data underscores the importance of sun safety during the midday hours, when the UV levels are notably elevated.

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	4	moderate	30 min
09:00	7	high	25 min
10:00	10	very high	15 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

Monthly UV Index Trends in La Paz

Throughout the year, the UV Index remains consistently extreme from January to November, with values peaking in March and April at 16. February also shows a high value of 14, making it important for all months to take sun safety precautions seriously, especially from January to May when the UV levels are particularly elevated. Visitors and residents are advised to limit direct sun exposure to 10 minutes during peak hours, wear protective clothing, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly to minimize the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Even in the later months, like November and December, when the UV Index is slightly reduced, caution is still recommended as the exposure category remains extreme.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for La Paz, Colombia

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in La Paz 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.

La Paz'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
La Paz	13	14	16	16	15	14	14	14	14	14	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