UV Index in Cali, Colombia

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In Cali, Colombia, understanding the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With a tropical Af climate, Cali experiences high UV exposure that peaks dramatically throughout the day, making it vital to be aware of these levels. For example, during midday, UV Index readings soar as high as 15, putting residents and visitors at increased risk of harmful effects from the sun. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take crucial steps to protect yourself—whether it’s seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, or applying sunscreen. Embrace your sunny days in Cali, but keep that UV Index in mind to enjoy the sun safely!

Hourly UV Index in Cali

At dawn, the UV Index starts off gentle at 1 by 7:00 AM, making it a comfortable time to enjoy the outdoors. However, as the morning unfolds, the intensity ramps up swiftly, peaking at 15 around noon, indicating a high level of sun exposure risk. The scorching UV rays continue to be a concern until 2:00 PM, where it drops to 11. The afternoon brings a gradual decline, cutting down to 6 by 3:00 PM, and ultimately easing to 1 by 5:00 PM, wrapping up the day with a calmness that invites evening relaxation. As the sun sets around 7:00 PM, the UV Index dips to 0, signaling that it's safe to enjoy the twilight without worry. Remember to stay protected during peak hours when the sun's rays are at their strongest!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	3	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	11	extreme	10 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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Cali

Throughout the year, the UV Index remains consistently high, with values indicating extreme exposure risk, particularly from January to May, when the index peaks at 17. March and April are identified as the highest risk months, with UV levels at their maximum. As summer approaches, there is a slight decline in the UV Index, with a low of 12 in December, but the risk remains substantial throughout the colder months. Residents and visitors should take precautionary measures year-round, including wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours, as burn times are alarmingly short at just 10 minutes across all months. It is essential to be vigilant about UV exposure, regardless of the season.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Cali, Colombia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Cali. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Cali, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Cali UV Index with Other Colombia Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Cali compares to other major locations across Colombia. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Cali's solar exposure compared to other cities in Colombia. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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	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