Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in La Paz, Argentina, as it provides essential insight into daily sun exposure risks. Being aware of UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, especially in a region known for its Cfa climate, which offers warm summers and mild winters. During peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, the UV Index can rise to levels 3 to 4, signifying a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Stay informed and take the necessary precautions to enjoy the beautiful La Paz sun safely!
At dawn, the UV Index remains nonexistent until 8:00 AM, when it registers a low 1, gradually climbing as the day unfolds. By 10:00 AM, it reaches 2, and as the sun reaches its zenith at 12:00 PM, the index peaks at a moderate 4. This peak is maintained until 2:00 PM, where the sun’s intensity persists, before gradually tapering off in the afternoon. At 3:00 PM, the UV Index drops back down to 3, continuing its decline to 1 by 5:00 PM, and ultimately settling back to 0 by 6:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV radiation fades, highlighting the importance of sun protection during those midday hours when it’s most potent.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | 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, the UV Index displays significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring during the winter months. From January to March, the UV Index peaks at 15, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time as short as 10 minutes. The high-risk months continue into November and December, where the index remains at 14 with the same critical exposure timeframe. During the shoulder months of April and September, the index drops to 9, categorized as very high, allowing for slightly longer safe exposure times of 15 minutes. Summer months see a decline in UV levels, with May to July showing indices between 4 and 6, categorized as moderate to high, permitting up to 30 minutes of safe exposure. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to protect themselves with sunscreen, appropriate clothing, and seek shade, particularly during the peak months of January, February, March, October, November, and December to mitigate the risks associated with extreme UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires UVI | 14 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 14 |
| Rosario UVI | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 14 |
| La Paz | 15 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 |
| Mendoza UVI | 15 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| Cordoba UVI | 15 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| San Miguel de Tucuman UVI | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 |