Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Achacachi, Bolivia, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With elevated UV levels, particularly around midday when they peak at 11, awareness becomes essential to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. The region's Cwb climate presents unique challenges, with significant sunshine exposure throughout the year. Staying informed about UV levels can empower residents and visitors alike to enjoy the outdoors safely, making sun protection a priority during those high-risk hours. Remember, vigilance is your best defense against the sun’s harmful effects!
The UV Index reveals a dynamic pattern throughout the day, starting at a low 1 in the early morning hours of 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rises, the index climbs steadily, reaching 3 by 09:00. The midday sun peaks aggressively at 11, with the UV Index hitting its maximum of 11 from 12:00 to 13:00, signaling a high risk for skin damage without protection. Following this peak, values gradually decline, dropping to 9 at 14:00, and tapering down to 6 by 15:00. As the evening approaches, the UV Index falls back to 3 by 16:00 and finally descends to a 1 by 17:00 and 18:00, before sinking to 0 at 19:00, marking the end of the day's UV exposure. It's a reminder to stay vigilant under the sun, especially 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains extremely high, particularly from January to November, with values consistently around 19 to 18, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. March sees a slight dip at 18, while June and July reduce slightly to 11 and 12, respectively, but still warranted caution. May and August present minor variations, with indices of 13 and 14. As we transition to September, the UV Index returns to 16, and November marks a peak at 19 again. Given these conditions, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take proactive measures to protect themselves from sun exposure during these high-risk months. This includes wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade whenever possible, particularly during the midday hours. Remember, a burn time of just 10 minutes underscores the urgency of sun safety in this region year-round.
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 |
| 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 |
| Achacachi | 19 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 18 |