Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in La Paz, Argentina, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing painful sunburn. With a typical Cfa climate, residents and visitors alike should be mindful of the increasing UV levels, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, when the index peaks at 6. These elevated UV levels can pose significant risks, making it essential to be aware of the sun's intensity throughout the day. By staying informed, you can take proactive measures to protect your skin and enjoy the vibrant outdoor lifestyle that La Paz offers.
The UV Index for the day exhibits a clear progression, starting from a minimal level of 0 at 07:00. As the sun climbs higher, the index gradually increases, reaching a moderate 3 by 10:00 and peaking at a healthy level of 6 around 13:00. This midday surge highlights the importance of sun protection, as the UV exposure is at its strongest. Following peak hours, the index sees a notable decline, returning to 3 by 15:00 and tapering off to 1 by 18:00, before dropping back to 0 after sunset at 19:00. Be sure to plan outdoor activities accordingly to enjoy the sun safely!
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | 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 |
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 |