Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Vetas, Colombia is crucial for protecting your skin health and preventing sunburn. With typical UV levels peaking during midday, awareness of these fluctuations can make a significant difference in enjoying the sun safely. Vetas, nestled in a Cfb climate zone, may seem mild, but its high-altitude location leads to elevated UV exposure risks, especially during the summer months. Knowing the UV Index can help you take necessary precautions, ensuring you and your loved ones stay safe while soaking up the vibrant Colombian sunshine.
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!
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 |
The UV Index in this region remains consistently high throughout the year, with values reaching a peak of 18 in March and April, categorizing those months as high-risk for sun exposure. Specifically, the months of February through May stand out as especially critical, where the UV Index remains at 16 or higher. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during these high-risk months, including wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen with a high SPF, and limiting direct sun exposure to no more than 10 minutes at a time to prevent skin damage. As the UV Index begins to decline in late fall and winter, with values dropping to 13 in November and December, vigilance remains essential, as even lower UV levels can still pose a risk.
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 |
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 |
Vetas | 15 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 13 |