Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Elena, Bolivia is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With a climate that features significant UV exposure, especially during midday hours, being aware of UV levels is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. From the early morning's gentle rays to the peak intensity at noon, UV levels can vary dramatically. For instance, expect higher UV readings around 12 PM, reaching a striking 9, which signals increased risk for harmful effects. By staying informed about these levels, residents and visitors can better anticipate sun exposure risks, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable time outdoors.
The UV Index for the day presents a dynamic outlook, starting off low with a maximum of 1 at both 7:00 and 8:00 AM, indicating a relatively safe period for outdoor activities. As the sun climbs higher, the index peaks sharply, reaching 9 by 12:00 PM, signaling a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The afternoon shows a slight decline, with readings of 8 at 1:00 PM and 6 at 2:00 PM, but it's important to stay cautious. By 3:00 PM, the UV Index falls to 4, and it continues to decrease, dropping to a safe 0 by 6:00 PM. This pattern highlights the need for sun protection, especially during the midday hours when the UV radiation is at its most intense. Enjoy the sun, but remember to prioritize your skin's health!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 indicates that seasonal variations in ultraviolet radiation intensity remain significant throughout the year. High-risk months, characterized by an extreme exposure category and a UV Index peaking at 18, are prevalent from January to April and again in November and December. March sees a slightly lower index at 16, but still poses a considerable risk. For those spending time outdoors, it's crucial to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during the extreme months when burn times can be as short as 10 minutes. Later in the summer, while the UV Index drops slightly, June and July still present very high levels with a burn time of 15 minutes. As such, both visitors and residents should remain vigilant year-round to minimize UV exposure and potential skin damage.
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 |
| Santa Elena | 18 | 17 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 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 |