Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Las Carreras, Bolivia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in reducing the risk of long-term skin damage. With a semi-arid climate typical to the region, residents and visitors should be especially vigilant during peak hours when UV exposure can reach levels as high as 9—the risk is significant from late morning to early afternoon. Stay informed and safeguard your skin while enjoying the beautiful Bolivian sun!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low, peaking at just 1 by 8 AM. However, as the day progresses, intensity increases, reaching a notable 6 by 10 AM and soaring to its maximum of 9 from noon to 1 PM. This peak signifies a time when sun safety becomes essential, urging you to seek shade and apply sunscreen. The afternoon sees a gradual decline with the index dropping to 5 by 3 PM and lower values as the sun begins its descent. By ~4 PM, the index falls to 2, and soon after, it returns to 1 by 5 PM, fading to 0 in the evening. Overall, it’s wise to take precautions during the midday hours when the UV levels are at their highest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index displays significant seasonal variation, with extreme exposure levels from January to April and again in August, September, October, and November. Concerned especially high-risk months include January, February, March, April, August, October, and November, where the UV Index remains at 18 or higher, indicating a burn time of as little as 10 minutes. Conversely, during June and July, although classified as very high, the burn time increases to 15 minutes due to a slightly lower index of 8 or 9. Visitors and residents should take precautions during these high-risk months by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak sunlight hours, to minimize health risks associated with UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz de la Sierra UVI | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 16 | 16 |
| Sucre UVI | 17 | 17 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 18 |
| Las Carreras | 18 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 18 | 18 |
| Sacaba UVI | 17 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| Cochabamba UVI | 18 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 19 |
| Oruro UVI | 19 | 19 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 19 | 19 |