Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Belen, Bolivia, where the skies often shine bright under the high-altitude sun. With significant UV levels peaking at 11 around midday, awareness of these fluctuating indexes is vital for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health. Belen's BSk climate means it experiences sunny days that can easily lead to overexposure. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing your risk of skin damage. Keep your skin protected and make the most of your time under the Bolivian sun!
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 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 |