UV Index in San Gil, Colombia

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In San Gil, Colombia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful sun exposure. With its warm tropical climate, the region often experiences elevated UV levels, particularly during midday hours, making it essential to grasp the significance of these readings to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Understanding UV levels not only helps you protect your skin health but also enhances your outdoor experiences—after all, knowing when the sun’s rays are at their strongest allows you to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of San Gil while taking the necessary precautions!

Hourly UV Index in San Gil

The UV Index for the day displayed a striking increase as the sun climbed higher in the sky. Starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM, it swiftly rose to a moderate 3 by 8:00 AM. As the clock struck 9:00 AM, the intensity shot up to a significant 7, reaching a peak of 14 at 12:00 PM—the optimal time for sun protection. The afternoon saw a gradual decline, with readings of 13 at 1:00 PM and 10 by 2:00 PM. As the sun set, the UV Index dwindled, dropping to 3 at 4:00 PM and finally retreating to a safe 0 by 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of midday sun safety, making it essential to reapply sunscreen and seek shade when UV levels are at their highest.

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	3	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	13	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

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