Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Cruz de Machacamarca, Bolivia, where the climate can often expose individuals to significant ultraviolet radiation. As a place marked by the BWk climate zone, the sun's intensity can soar, especially between 11 AM and 1 PM, when UV levels peak at 10. Monitoring UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, making awareness not just beneficial but essential. With values ranging dramatically throughout the day, knowing when to protect your skin can mean the difference between a healthy glow and painful burns. Stay informed and safeguard your skin while enjoying the beautiful Bolivian landscape!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins low at 1 at both 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, indicating minimal risk for sun exposure. However, by 9:00 AM, it jumps to 3, signaling an increase in UV radiation. The intensity peaks dramatically at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, reaching a maximum of 10, where protection is essential. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, dropping to 5 by 3:00 PM and returning to a safer 2 by 4:00 PM. As daylight fades, UV levels lower, falling back to 0 by 6:00 PM. Enthusiasts looking to enjoy the sun should take heed of this hourly fluctuation, ensuring they protect their skin during the 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 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index data reveals significant seasonal fluctuations in sun exposure risks, with extreme UV levels observed from January through April, consistently reaching a high of 19. Notably, March has a slightly lower UV Index at 17, yet remains critical for sun safety. May begins to see a dip, with an index of 13, before transitioning into very high levels of 10 in June and 11 in July. As summer wanes, August and September return to extreme levels of 13 and 16, respectively. The UV exposure remains dangerous through November and December, once again peaking at 19. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautionary measures against UV exposure, especially during the high-risk months of January to April and again from July to October. Sunscreen application, protective clothing, and seeking shade are essential to minimize skin damage during these periods.
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 |
| Cruz de Machacamarca | 19 | 19 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 16 | 19 | 19 | 19 |