Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Ascension, Bolivia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. The UV Index provides a measure of the sun's ultraviolet radiation, informing residents and visitors about potential risks like sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a tropical wet and dry climate, Ascension experiences heightened UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when the index peaks at 9—indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about local UV levels, you can safeguard your skin and enjoy the sunny Bolivian weather with confidence!
The UV Index for the day starts off low, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, providing a gentle introduction to sunlight. As the morning progresses, it climbs gradually, peaking at 9 around 12:00, marking the sun's fierce midday intensity. The index remains high at 8 from 11:00 to 13:00, urging outdoor enthusiasts to seek shade and apply sunscreen. However, by the afternoon, the UV Index begins to taper off, declining to 4 at 15:00 and dropping further to 1 by 17:00, before finally hitting 0 in the evening. This fluctuation highlights the importance of being sun-smart, especially during those critical midday hours when UV exposure can be most damaging.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | 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 shows significant seasonal fluctuations, indicating that the months from January through April maintain an extremely high risk level with a consistent UV Index of 15 and a burn time of only 10 minutes. Although there is a slight decrease in May and June with the UV Index dropping to 10 and 9 respectively, the risk remains categorized as very high, allowing for 15 minutes of safe exposure. The trend shifts back to extreme levels in September, peaking again towards the end of the year with October and December reaching a UV Index of 15 and 16 respectively. Given these conditions, it is crucial for both residents and visitors to prioritize sun protection, especially during the high-risk months from January to April and again in October and December, utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize harmful effects from 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 |
| Ascension | 15 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 15 | 15 | 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 |
| Oruro UVI | 19 | 19 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 19 | 19 |