Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in San Andres, Colombia is crucial for protecting your skin and preventing sunburn in this tropical paradise. With high UV levels, especially around midday, awareness of these measurements can help you make informed decisions about sun exposure and skincare. San Andres enjoys a pleasant Cfb climate, but its proximity to the equator exposes residents and visitors to elevated UV risks, particularly during peak hours when the index soars above 10. Being proactive about UV Index levels not only safeguards your skin health but also ensures a more enjoyable outdoor experience in this stunning Caribbean destination.
The UV Index shows a dramatic climb throughout the morning, starting from a mild 2 at 07:00 and peaking at an intense 15 by 12:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, 11:00 and 12:00 present the highest risk for sun exposure, with values soaring to 14 and 15 respectively. After this peak, the index begins to decline, dropping to 10 at 14:00 and continuing its descent to a more manageable 1 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the UV levels fall further, settling at 0 by 19:00. It's a day where sun safety is crucial from late morning to early afternoon!
| 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 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | 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 in this region shows extreme levels throughout the year, peaking at 18 in both March and April. From January to May, the UV Index remains high, fluctuating from 14 to 18, with no month falling below 13. Despite slight declines in the summer months, June to October maintains a consistent UV Index of 15. Notably, February and March are the highest-risk months, where visitors and residents should be extra cautious. It is crucial for everyone to take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage, particularly during these high UV months.
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 |
| 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 |
| San Andres | 14 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 13 |
| Bogota UVI | 15 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 |