Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Santa Barbara, Colombia, where the sun’s rays can be both intense and harmful. With typical UV exposure risks peaking around noon—often hitting levels of 14—it's essential to recognize how these UV levels can lead to sunburn and long-term skin health issues. Santa Barbara's tropical climate means consistent sun exposure throughout the year, making awareness of the UV Index vital for enjoying the outdoors safely. By staying informed about the day's UV forecast, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin and enjoy the sunny beauty of this vibrant region.
The UV Index today presents a dynamic journey through the hours, starting mild at 07:00 with a score of 2. By 08:00, it climbs to 4, and then exponentially peaks at 14 during the noon hour of 12:00. The sun's intensity is a force to reckon with, reaching its zenith at 11:00 with a maximum of 13. However, as the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline; by 14:00, it drops to 9, and by 16:00, it further sinks to 3. The evening transitions into a safer zone, with values returning to 1 by 17:00 and 18:00, finally resting at 0 by 19:00. This data highlights the importance of sun protection, particularly during those peak hours!
| 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 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits extreme levels throughout the year, with notable peaks occurring from March to April, where it reaches 15 to 16 and maintains a high level into early May. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during February and March, when the index rises to 14 and 15, making these some of the highest-risk months for sun exposure, with a dangerously short burn time of just 10 minutes year-round. As such, it is crucial to adopt proactive sun protection measures, including using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially in midday hours. Even during the months of October and November, when the index decreases to 13 and 12, respectively, the risk remains significant, urging continued caution to prevent sun damage.
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 |
| Santa Barbara | 12 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 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 |