UV Index in Cartago, Colombia

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Cartago, Colombia is crucial for the health and safety of residents and visitors alike. With the city's tropical climate and often intense sun exposure, being aware of UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. During peak hours, especially around midday when the index can soar to 14, the risk for harmful UV radiation is high, making it essential to protect your skin. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Cartago sunshine while prioritizing your skin’s health.

Hourly UV Index in Cartago

The UV index today begins its gradual ascent at 07:00, peaking at a notable 14 by 12:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, the intensity of UV radiation can be felt, with an alarming index of 12 at 11:00 and 14 at noon—perfect reminders to lather up on sunscreen! After this peak, the values steadily decline, dropping to 10 at 14:00, and eventually tapering off to 1 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the UV index dips further to an almost negligible 0 by 19:00, signaling a safe time to bask in the sunset without worry. Stay sun-safe during those peak hours!

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	6	high	25 min
10:00	9	very high	15 min
11:00	12	extreme	10 min
12:00	14	extreme	10 min
13:00	13	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Cartago

Throughout the year, the UV Index remains critically high in this region, with levels categorized as extreme from January to May and consistently high from June through November. March stands out with an index of 16, marking it as one of the peak months for UV exposure, closely followed by April. Visitors and residents are advised to take immediate precautions during these high-risk months, particularly from January to May when the burn time is as short as 10 minutes across all months. It's crucial to wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade whenever possible to minimize the risk of UV-related health issues.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Cartago, Colombia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Cartago. 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 Cartago, 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 Cartago UV Index with Other Colombia Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Cartago 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.

Cartago'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
Cartago	14	15	16	16	15	14	14	14	14	14	12	12
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