Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Potolo, Bolivia, where the high-altitude climate creates unique sun exposure risks. The UV levels here can escalate quickly, reaching a peak of 11 at midday, making awareness of these levels essential for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. With Potolo's BSk climate, characterized by its dry conditions and intense sunlight, it's vital to stay informed about UV radiation to enjoy the outdoors safely and protect your skin from harmful effects. Whether you're exploring the stunning landscapes or spending time outdoors, being aware of the UV Index can help you take the necessary precautions.
The UV Index today started off gently at 1 around 07:00, perfect for early risers. As the sun climbed higher, the intensity slowly increased—2 at 08:00, escalating to 4 by 09:00. The real peak came between 11:00 and 13:00, when the value reached a scorching 11, indicating very high potential for skin damage without protection. As the afternoon wore on, the index dropped to 9 at 14:00, and continued to decline, settling back to 5 by 15:00. The evening brought relief, with the UV Index falling to 2 by 16:00 and finally tapering off to 0 by 19:00. Remember to keep that sunscreen handy during the peak hours!
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 | 11 | 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 | 0 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index data reveals significant seasonal changes in UV exposure, with extreme levels persisting from January through April, and again in August, September, October, and November. The highest risk months are January, February, November, and December, where the UV Index peaks at 19, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. Even in the summer months, while the UV Index drops slightly to 9-13, caution is still necessary, especially in June and July when the exposure category is still very high with a 10-15 minute burn time. Residents and visitors should ensure to protect themselves during these high-risk periods by wearing appropriate sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize 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 |
Potolo | 18 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 19 |
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 |