UV Index in Cartagena, Philippines

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Cartagena, Philippines, awareness of the UV Index is vital for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a crucial role in reducing long-term skin damage and the risk of skin cancer. Nestled in a tropical climate, Cartagena experiences high UV exposure, particularly during the midday hours when the index can soar to 13, indicating very high risk. With this knowledge, residents and visitors can better prepare for the sun's intensity and enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely.

Hourly UV Index in Cartagena

The UV index throughout the day presented a striking pattern of increasing intensity, peaking at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a notable score of 13. Early risers at 7:00 AM enjoyed a low UV level of 2, which steadily climbed to 4 by 8:00 AM. The index surged dramatically as the sun reached its zenith, hitting a high of 10 by 10:00 AM and continuing to escalate until noon. Post-lunch hours saw a gradual decline, with values easing to 11 at 1:00 PM, then decreasing to 9 by 2:00 PM. The UV intensity diminished further in the late afternoon, dropping to 5 at 3:00 PM, and finishing the day at a mere 0 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun protection during peak hours, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM when UV rays are most intense.

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	2	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	11	extreme	10 min
14:00	9	very high	15 min
15:00	5	moderate	30 min
16:00	2	low	45 min
17:00	1	low	45 min
18:00	1	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Cartagena

Throughout the year, the UV Index remains consistently high in this region, with values ranging from 11 to 16 and categorized as extreme. Notably, the high-risk months are March through September, when the UV Index peaks at 16 in March and April, and stays around 14 to 15 from July through September. Residents and visitors should take stringent precautions during these months, ensuring adequate sun protection by utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, particularly around midday when the risk of burning is greatest at a burn time of just 10 minutes. It’s essential to stay informed and vigilant to safeguard skin health year-round.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Cartagena, Philippines

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

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

Cartagena's solar exposure compared to other cities in Philippines. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Caloocan City UVI	11	13	15	15	13	14	13	14	14	13	10	10
Quezon City UVI	11	13	15	15	13	14	13	14	14	13	10	10
Manila UVI	11	13	14	14	13	13	13	14	14	13	10	10
Cartagena	13	14	16	16	14	13	14	14	15	14	12	11
Budta UVI	13	15	16	16	14	13	14	14	15	14	13	11
Davao UVI	13	15	16	15	15	13	14	14	15	14	13	11