Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in San Juan, Bolivia, is crucial for maintaining optimal skin health and preventing sunburn. Given the region's BSk climate—characterized by its dry, semi-arid conditions—exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can escalate rapidly throughout the day. For instance, the UV Index peaks at a severe level of 10 around midday, signaling the need for vigilant sun protection. With this knowledge, residents and visitors alike can better plan their outdoor activities, ensuring they take necessary precautions during peak hours to safeguard their skin from long-term damage. Stay informed and keep your skin safe!
The UV Index throughout the day showcased a dynamic pattern, peaking sharply during the midday hours. Beginning at a low of 1 at 07:00, it steadily climbed, reaching 2 by 08:00. A significant surge occurred between 09:00 and 12:00, where it soared to an impressive 10 at its highest, indicating very high exposure risk. The intensity began to wane post-lunch, dropping to 8 at 14:00, and declining further to 5 and then 2 by late afternoon. As evening approached, the index fell to 1 at 17:00 and eventually settled at 0 after 18:00, signaling a retreat from the sun's harmful rays. If you’re planning outdoor activities, the peak hours, particularly between 11:00 and 13:00, call for protective measures!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | 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 |
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 |
| San Juan | 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 |