Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in San Borja, Bolivia, as it directly impacts sun safety and skin health. With a climate that experiences varying UV exposure, particularly during the midday hours when the index peaks at a striking 9, awareness of these levels can help prevent sunburn and lower the risk of long-term skin damage. In this tropical highland region, where intense sun rays are common, monitoring the UV Index not only enhances your outdoor enjoyment but also safeguards your well-being under the Bolivian sun.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index steadily climbs, presenting a dynamic shift from the early morning hours. Starting at a modest 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index makes a notable leap to 3 by 09:00. The sun reaches its zenith around 12:00, peaking at an intense 9, where sun protection becomes essential. The afternoon hours show a slight retreat, descending to 5 by 15:00, before tapering off in the late evening. As daylight wanes, the UV Index drops back to 1 by 17:00, eventually reaching 0 just after sunset. This hourly data underscores the importance of being sun-smart during the peak midday hours for optimal skin protection.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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 data indicates a remarkably high risk of sun exposure throughout the year, with January to April showing an extreme exposure category and a consistent UV Index of 15, leading to a burn time of just 10 minutes. As late spring approaches, May sees a slight drop to 11, but still remains in the extreme range. June to August shift to a very high category, where burn times increase to 15 minutes; nevertheless, caution is still essential as UV levels remain elevated. September returns to extreme with a UV Index of 13, followed by another spike in October and November at 15. December caps the year with an index of 16, emphasizing the need for vigilance. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours, particularly from January to April and in the fall months.
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 |
| San Borja | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 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 |
| 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 |