Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Belen, Bolivia, where the sun shines brightly amidst its semi-arid climate. With UV levels peaking at a staggering 12 during midday hours, awareness of these fluctuations is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health. By tracking UV exposure, you can make informed decisions about sun safety, such as wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen. As Belen’s beautiful landscapes invite outdoor activities, staying vigilant about UV intensity can help you enjoy the sun while safeguarding your skin from its harmful effects.
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. Starting the morning gently, the index rises from a mild 1 at 7:00 AM to a moderate 2 by 8:00 AM. As the day progresses, the sun's rays intensify, peaking at a striking 12 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, indicating a time when protective measures are crucial. The index begins to decline thereafter, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM, before gradually tapering off to 6 by 3:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index slips back to 3 at 4:00 PM, and finally recedes to 1 by 5:00 PM, ultimately fading to 0 after 6:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun protection during peak hours to safeguard against harmful UV exposure.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 exhibits significant seasonal variations, with particularly high readings during the first few months and towards the end of the year. The high-risk months are January through April and October through December, where the UV Index consistently falls within the extreme exposure category, reaching peaks of 21 in February and 19 in November and December. Residents and visitors should take extra precautions during these months, as the recommended burn time is a mere 10 minutes. It's advisable to wear protective clothing, use broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade whenever possible to minimize the risk of skin damage. As summer approaches, although the UV Index dips slightly in June to 10 (very high), it remains crucial to stay vigilant, especially in July and August when the readings return to extremes.
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 |
| Belen | 18 | 21 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 19 |