UV Index in La Paz, Colombia

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in La Paz, Colombia is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the city's high-altitude climate and intense sunlight, the UV levels can soar, reaching a peak of 15 around noon—putting residents and visitors at increased risk for skin damage. By staying informed about daily UV exposure, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself, ensuring that your time spent outdoors remains enjoyable and safe. Whether you're hiking in the picturesque surroundings or simply enjoying the sun, awareness of the UV Index helps to keep your skin healthy and minimize the dangers associated with excessive UV radiation.

Hourly UV Index in La Paz

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking at 15 around noon. The day starts with a moderate index of 2 at 7 AM, but by 10 AM, it escalates to an intense 11, signaling the need for protection as outdoor activity becomes increasingly hazardous. This reaches its maximum severity at 11 AM with a blistering 14 before slightly tapering off in the early afternoon. By 3 PM, it drops to a more manageable 6, and as evening approaches, it dwindles to 0 by 7 PM, indicating a safe time to enjoy the outdoors without the worry of UV exposure. Remember to stay sun-smart during those peak hours!

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	2	low	45 min
08:00	4	moderate	30 min
09:00	8	very high	15 min
10:00	11	extreme	10 min
11:00	14	extreme	10 min
12:00	15	extreme	10 min
13:00	13	extreme	10 min
14:00	10	very high	15 min
15:00	6	high	25 min
16:00	2	low	45 min
17:00	1	low	45 min
18:00	0	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