Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Punata, Bolivia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. High UV levels can lead to painful sunburns and increase long-term skin damage, making it essential to stay informed about daily UV fluctuations. With a climate classified as BSk, Punata experiences significant sunlight, particularly from late morning to early afternoon when the UV Index peaks at a striking 11. By knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen, you can enjoy the beautiful Bolivian sun while safeguarding your skin.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at 1 during the early morning hours, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. However, as the clock strikes 10:00 AM, it begins to climb rapidly, peaking at a high of 11 around noon. This marked intensity means it's crucial to protect your skin from harmful UV rays during the midday sun, especially since it slightly drops to 10 by 1:00 PM. By 2:00 PM, the index begins its gentle descent, settling at 8. By late afternoon, UV exposure further wanes, falling to 5 by 3:00 PM, and dropping to a safe 1 by 5:00 PM, with the sun finally relinquishing its intensity as it sets, bringing the index down to 0 after 6:00 PM. Be sure to plan your sun exposure wisely and enjoy the outdoors safely during those peak hours!
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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 variations, with extreme exposure levels dominating from January to April and recurring in several months thereafter. High-risk months include January through April, as well as October and November, where the UV Index consistently reaches between 17 and 19, and the burn time is as little as 10 minutes. The summer months, particularly June and July, experience a slightly lower UV Index, categorized as very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes, but still warrant caution. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take protective measures during these high-risk periods, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, to minimize the risk of 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 |
Sacaba UVI | 17 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
Punata | 17 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 18 | 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 |