Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Santa Helena, Colombia, where the tropical climate brings significant sun exposure throughout the year. Being aware of UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining overall skin health and reducing the risk of long-term damage. With peak UV Index values soaring to 14 around noon, it’s essential to stay informed about daily UV exposure risks, especially since Santa Helena's sunny weather can lead to higher levels of harmful UV radiation. Protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful outdoors by monitoring the UV Index!
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 | 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 |