Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Carmen de Apicalá, Colombia, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's tropical climate and elevated UV levels—peaking at a staggering 13 around noon—the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage rises significantly. By staying informed about daily UV exposure, you can take proactive steps to guard against harmful effects, ensuring a safe and enjoyable time under the sun. Awareness of UV levels is not just about avoiding sunburn; it's an essential part of maintaining healthy skin in this beautiful part of Colombia.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins subtly, peaking at 1 by 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it climbs to a moderate level of 6, increasing to a striking 10 at 10:00 AM. At 11:00 AM, the intensity reaches its zenith with a sharp 12, and by 12:00 PM, it hits a scorching 13. The afternoon witnesses a gradual decline, with UV levels dropping to 12 by 1:00 PM, followed by a swift descent to 9 at 2:00 PM and further down to 5 by 3:00 PM. As the day winds down, UV exposure diminishes, falling to 3 at 4:00 PM, and finally settling back to 1 by 5:00 PM. The UV index ends the day at 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe retreat from sun exposure. This hourly fluctuation highlights the importance of sun safety, especially during peak hours when UV radiation is at its most intense.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | 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 throughout the year remains consistently high, with values primarily in the range of 11 to 16, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. High-risk months for UV exposure are March through May, when the index peaks at 16 in both March and April, signaling a critical need for sun protection. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours, as the recommended burn time remains a mere 10 minutes across all months. Year-round vigilance is essential, since even in the cooler months like November and December, the UV levels remain significant.
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 |
| Carmen de Apicala | 13 | 13 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 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 |