Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Mapiri, Bolivia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the region's tropical climate and elevated sun exposure, understanding daily UV levels—especially during peak hours—can help you prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. During the sunniest parts of the day, particularly around noon, the UV Index can soar to a dangerous level of 10, making it essential to take protective measures. By staying informed about UV risks, you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Mapiri while keeping your skin safe.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic shift in sun exposure. Beginning with a gentle maximum of 1 at 07:00, the sun’s intensity gradually rises, reaching 3 by 09:00. As the morning progresses, 10:00 marks a notable increase to 5, leading to a peak at 12:00 where it soars to an impressive 10—a time when sun protection is crucial! The intensity remains high at 10 until 13:00, before tapering off in the afternoon with values of 8 at 14:00, and descending to 5 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the index drops significantly, falling to 1 by 17:00, and fading to 0 at 19:00. This clear pattern underscores the importance of staying aware of UV levels to protect your skin during the sun's most potent 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
Throughout the year, UV levels exhibit notable seasonal variations, with January through April showcasing an extreme exposure category and a consistently high UV Index ranging from 15 to 17. The burn time during these months is alarmingly short at just 10 minutes, underscoring the importance of sun protection. In contrast, May sees a slight decrease to a UV Index of 12, transitioning to very high in June and July with a burn time of 15 minutes. The intensity increases again in August and September, returning to an extreme category with a UV Index peaking at 17 in November and December. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant, especially during the high-risk months from January to April and November to December, ensuring they take preventive measures like wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to mitigate the risks associated with such high UV exposure.
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 |
| Mapiri | 16 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 17 |
| 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 |