Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents of Riberalta, Bolivia, as it provides critical insights into sun exposure risks and helps safeguard skin health. With the region's tropical climate characterized by intense sunshine, awareness of UV levels can prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. During peak hours, particularly from 10 AM to 2 PM, the UV Index often reaches levels of 8 to 10, indicating a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. By familiarizing yourself with these levels, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while taking the necessary precautions!
The UV Index for today presents a clear pattern of sun intensity, peaking sharply in the early afternoon. Starting off with a low index of 1 at 7 AM and remaining consistent at the same level until 9 AM, the sun's rays gradually intensify. By 10 AM, the index rises to 6, reaching a notable 8 at 11 AM, and soaring to a maximum of 10 between 12 PM and 1 PM—the critical hours for sun exposure. As the day progresses, the intensity begins to decline, dropping back to 8 by 2 PM, then tapering down to 5 by 3 PM. The late afternoon and evening bring a return to safer levels, with the index falling to 1 at 5 PM and fading to 0 by 7 PM. For those planning outdoor activities, it's essential to stay protected during the 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 | 8 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index demonstrates significant fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest levels recorded during winter and late fall months. January, February, and March each have an exceptionally high UV Index of 15, categorized as extreme, meaning just 10 minutes of exposure can lead to skin burns. Similarly, November sees an increase to 16, also firmly in the extreme zone. April and October display slightly lower yet still high indices of 14, maintaining a high-risk classification. The summer months, specifically June and July, show a decrease to 10, categorized as very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes, while August and September hit 11, returning to the extreme exposure category with 10 minutes of burn time. For residents and visitors, it is crucial to stay vigilant and protect skin from UV exposure, especially during these high-risk months of January through March, November, and August to September, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible.
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 |
| Riberalta | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 15 |
| 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 |
| 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 |