Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Patacamaya, Bolivia, where the sun's rays can be deceptively intense. With high UV levels peaking around noon, awareness of the UV Index helps you protect your skin from painful sunburns and long-term health issues, such as skin cancer. The BSk climate of Patacamaya, characterized by its high altitude and clear skies, means that UV exposure can be significant—even on seemingly mild days. Equip yourself with the knowledge of UV levels, especially during the hours when it reaches its maximum of 11, to enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin health.
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 in this region exhibits high values, particularly from January to November, consistently marking an extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes in many months. The UV Index reaches its peak in early months, remaining at 19 until May, before slightly decreasing in June to 10 (very high), then escalating again in July to 11 (extreme). This trend continues, with August jumping to 14 and staying high through September and October at 16 and 18, respectively, before returning to 19 in November and December. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, especially during high-risk months (January to April and July to November), by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and limiting exposure during peak sunlight hours to reduce the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
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 |
| Patacamaya | 19 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 19 |