UV Index in Uyuni, Bolivia

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Uyuni, Bolivia, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With high elevations and a predominantly BSk climate, the sun's rays can be intense, leading to increased risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Understanding the daily UV levels helps residents and visitors alike make informed decisions about sun protection, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to a maximum of 9 from noon to 1 PM. By being aware of these fluctuations, you can enjoy the stunning landscapes of Uyuni while safeguarding your skin from harmful UV exposure.

Hourly UV Index in Uyuni

The hourly UV Index displays an intriguing pattern throughout the day. **Starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the intensity begins to rise steadily. By 10:00 AM, it escalates to a more significant 5, reaching its peak of 9 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM—a time when sun protection is crucial. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips, dropping to 4 at 3:00 PM and further decreasing to 1 by 5:00 PM. Finally, it settles at 0 after 6:00 PM, indicating a comfortable evening for outdoor activities. Stay vigilant! Understanding these UV levels can help you enjoy the sun safely.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	9	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Uyuni

The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with January, February, and the latter part of the year (October, November, and December) consistently registering an extreme index of 19 and a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months typically span from January to April, maintaining an extreme exposure category, while June and July see a slight reduction to a very high index of 9 and 10, respectively. Visitors and residents should take precautions during these months by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, especially during peak hours when the risk is elevated. Remember, even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate the atmosphere, so staying vigilant is key to sun safety year-round.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Uyuni, Bolivia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Uyuni. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Uyuni, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Uyuni UV Index with Other Bolivia Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Uyuni compares to other major locations across Bolivia. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Uyuni's solar exposure compared to other cities in Bolivia. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Uyuni	19	19	17	15	12	9	10	13	16	19	19	19
Oruro UVI	19	19	17	16	13	10	11	14	16	19	19	19