Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Santa Barbara, Bolivia, where the climate presents unique exposure risks. With high UV levels peaking around midday, it's essential to stay informed to protect your skin from harmful sunburns and long-term health issues. The BSk climate means you can enjoy plenty of sun, but it also requires vigilance—especially when the UV Index climbs to levels of 8 or 9 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. By being aware of UV levels, you can make smarter choices about sun protection and ensure a healthier outdoor experience in this beautiful region.
The UV Index experiences a notable rise throughout the morning, starting from a mellow 1 at 07:00 and gradually climbing to its peak at 12:00 with a striking 9. As the day progresses, the intensity begins to wane, dropping to 4 by 15:00 and descending further to 1 by 17:00. By the evening, the UV Index dips into the safety zone, showing 0 by 18:00 and remaining there for the rest of the night. This daily sunlight pattern underscores the importance of protection during peak hours, especially between 11:00 and 13:00 when exposure is at its highest.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 |