Last updated: June 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Isabel, Colombia, where the warm Af climate often results in heightened sun exposure. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and safeguarding skin health, as prolonged exposure can lead to serious long-term effects. With peak UV Index readings reaching 15 at noon, it’s vital to take precautions during these hours to enjoy the beautiful tropical scenery while keeping your skin protected from harmful rays. By staying informed about UV risks, you can make proactive choices that contribute to your overall well-being while basking in Santa Isabel’s sun.
The UV Index data reveals a striking pattern throughout the day. Morning rays begin gently at 07:00 with a UV Index of 1, but by 08:00, it surges to 4. As the sun climbs, exposure becomes increasingly intense, peaking at 12:00 with a critical UV Index of 15—a clear warning to seek shade. The highest reading occurs at 11:00, registering an intense 14, before gradually tapering off to 10 by 14:00. Later in the afternoon, the index declines further, dropping to 6 at 15:00, and finishing the day with a return to safer levels of 1 by 17:00 and 18:00, finally settling at 0 by 19:00. It's a day that reminds us of the importance of sun safety—especially during those midday hours!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index in this region exhibits a notable seasonal pattern, peaking in the spring with values of 17 to 18 from March to April, before gradually decreasing towards the end of the year. The highest risk months for sun exposure are March and April, where the UV index reaches its maximum. With an extreme exposure category throughout most of the year, particularly from January to May, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take appropriate precautions. A safe burn time of just 10 minutes applies for all months, underscoring the need for protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours, especially in the high-risk months to avoid skin 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 |
| 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 |
| Santa Isabel | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 |
| Bogota UVI | 15 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 |