Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Machacamarca, Bolivia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin against harmful solar radiation. Understanding UV levels allows residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions, preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of long-term skin health issues. The region, characterized by its BSk climate, experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during the midday hours when the index peaks at a critical level of 10 around noon. Safeguarding against these intense UV conditions is essential for enjoying the beautiful Bolivian outdoors without compromising your health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts its day at a mild level of 1 at 7:00 AM and remains low until 9:00 AM, when it climbs to 3. By 10:00 AM, the intensity ramps up to 6, reaching a peak of 10 at 12:00 PM—the highest point of the day, indicating very high UV exposure. Following this peak, the index gradually declines, dipping to 8 by 1:00 PM and settling at 5 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index further drops to 2 at 4:00 PM, and finally returns to low levels of 1 by 5:00 PM before slipping to 0 in the evening. For optimal sun safety, protecting your skin is essential, especially during those midday hours when UV exposure is at its strongest!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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 |
| Machacamarca | 19 | 19 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 16 | 19 | 19 | 19 |
| Oruro UVI | 19 | 19 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 19 | 19 |