Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Santa Helena del Opon, Colombia, especially given the region's tropical climate which often results in high sun exposure. With UV levels reaching a maximum of 14 during midday hours, awareness of these levels can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. By staying informed about the UV Index, locals can take necessary precautions to protect themselves from harmful ultraviolet rays, ensuring safer outdoor activities and promoting healthier lifestyles under the sun.
The UV Index during the day showcased a dynamic shift, beginning at a low 1 at 07:00, then escalating to a moderate 4 by 08:00. As the sun climbed higher, the intensity peaked at a formidable 14 around 12:00, marking it as the most intense hour of the day. Following this, the index gradually descended, hitting 12 at 13:00, before tapering off to 9 at 14:00. The afternoon witnessed a noticeable decline, with values plummeting to 5 by 15:00, and further reducing to 3 at 16:00. As evening approached, the UV Index dwindled to 1 by 17:00, tapering off to 0 by 19:00. This data underscores the importance of sun safety during the midday hours, when the UV levels are notably elevated.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
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.
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 Helena del Opon | 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 |