Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Santa Rosalia, Colombia, where the sun's rays can pose significant health risks. With a tropical climate that often brings intense UV exposure, being informed about UV levels can help prevent sunburn and protect your skin's long-term health. During peak hours, especially between 11 AM and 1 PM, the UV Index can soar as high as 13, signaling a critical need for sun safety measures. By staying aware of daily UV fluctuations, you can enjoy the vibrant outdoor lifestyle of Santa Rosalia while safeguarding your skin from potential damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it ramps up to 4, hinting at the day's potential for sun exposure. The sun reaches its peak intensity at 11:00 and 12:00, with a notable 13, signalling a high risk for unprotected skin. After peaking, the index gradually declines, dropping to 5 by 3:00 PM, and then further plummeting to 1 at 5:00 PM, before fading entirely by 6:00 PM when it hits 0. This reveals the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when the UV levels are most dangerous—so stay sun-safe and enjoy the sunshine wisely!
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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels remain consistently high, reflecting an extreme exposure category from January to November, with burn times averaging a mere 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are March through September, when the UV Index peaks at 16 in April and remains above 13 in most other months. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, particularly during these months, to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Remember, even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate through clouds, so consistent protection is essential year-round.
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 |
Santa Rosalia | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 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 |