Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Barbara, Bolivia, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the region's BSk climate, characterized by its dry and sunny conditions, the risk of harmful ultraviolet exposure increases significantly, especially during peak hours. Awareness of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and reducing the long-term risks of skin damage. From a manageable index of 1 in the early morning to a striking 11 at noon, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is essential for enjoying the beautiful Bolivian sun safely. Stay informed and protect your skin from the sun’s powerful rays!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index reaches its peak between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, soaring to a striking 11. The morning starts gently, with the index at a modest 1 by 7:00 AM, slowly climbing to 4 by 9:00 AM. The sun then intensifies, pushing the index to a strong 10 at 11:00 AM, signaling it's time to seek shade and protect your skin. By 2:00 PM, it begins to wane, dropping to 8, and further decreases to 5 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the index continues to fall, reaching 2 at 4:00 PM, and finally settling at 1 by 5:00 PM and 0 as the sun sets at 6:00 PM. Stay aware and shield yourself during those crucial midday hours!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 exhibits a notable pattern throughout the year, with extreme exposure categories prevalent during the first half and later months. From January to April, the UV Index remains high, peaking at 18, indicating the highest risk of sunburn with a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. May slightly decreases to an 11, but still represents a considerable risk. The summer months of June and July see a marginal drop to 9 and 10, categorized as very high, allowing for a slightly extended burn time of 15 minutes. Notably, August reverts to an extreme level at 12, while September reflects an uptick back to 15, followed closely by an 18 in October and a peak of 19 in both November and December. Visitors and residents should exercise extreme caution during these high-risk months, especially during peak sun hours. Regular application of sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade are strongly advised to mitigate the harmful effects of UV radiation.
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 |
| Santa Barbara | 18 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 19 | 19 |
| 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 |