UV Index in San Gil, Colombia

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in San Gil, Colombia is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With its sunny climate and high UV exposure, the importance of knowing daily UV levels cannot be overstated—especially during peak hours when the index can soar to 15. This knowledge helps in taking proactive measures to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a climate classified as Am, San Gil experiences a distinct pattern of sunlight that varies throughout the day, making it essential for residents and visitors alike to stay informed about UV risks. Prioritizing UV awareness can dramatically reduce health risks associated with excessive sun exposure.

Hourly UV Index in San Gil

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, hitting a moderate 2 by 7:00 AM. Come 8:00 AM, it jumps to 4, signaling it's time to apply some sunscreen. Peak UV intensity arrives between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, reaching a blistering 15, so it's essential to find shade and wear protective gear during these hours. As the afternoon unfolds, the index gradually decreases: 14 at 1:00 PM, then dropping to 10 by 2:00 PM. By 3:00 PM, it settles at 6, before winding down to 1 by 5:00 PM and fading to 0 by the evening. Remember, while the sun may feel warm throughout the day, the UV Index's rise and fall serves as a critical reminder for sun safety!

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	12	extreme	10 min
11:00	15	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	0	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in San Gil

Throughout the year, the UV Index remains consistently high, peaking between January and April when it reaches extreme levels of 14 to 17. These months, particularly March and April with a UV index of 16 and 17, represent the highest risk for harmful sun exposure, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. As a result, residents and visitors are strongly advised to take necessary precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing during these months. Although the UV index remains elevated through the summer and into the fall, the June to October period does not exceed a UV index of 14. Thus, maintaining vigilance and protection against UV rays is essential year-round due to consistently extreme exposure levels.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for San Gil, Colombia

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in San Gil 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.

San Gil'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
San Gil	14	15	16	17	15	14	14	14	14	14	12	12
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