Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents and visitors of Poopo, Bolivia, especially considering the town's arid climate typical of a BSk zone. With UV levels peaking at a staggering 12 around midday, awareness of these radiation levels is essential for preventing sunburn and safeguarding long-term skin health. As you plan your day under the Bolivian sun, knowing how to navigate these peaks—from a manageable 1 early in the morning to a dangerous 10 at peak hours—can make all the difference in enjoying the beautiful outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day tells a compelling story of sun intensity. Starting at a mild 1 by 7:00 AM, the sun's rays gradually build in strength. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a more noticeable 4, but the real power kicks in around 11:00 AM, peaking at a significant 12 at noon—attaining its zenith during the hottest hours. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to dip, from 12 at 1:00 PM to a moderate 6 by 3:00 PM, before slowly returning to a 1 by 5:00 PM. After that, the UV Index, reminiscent of a waning sun, falls to 0 by 6:00 PM, offering a gentle reminder of the day's journey in sunlight.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | 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 | 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 |
Poopo | 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 |