Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the heart of Charagua, Bolivia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps you prevent painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in protecting against long-term skin damage. Given Charagua's Cwa climate, where high UV exposure is common—particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM when the UV Index peaks at a striking 8—it's essential to stay informed. Whether you’re heading outdoors for work or leisure, knowing the UV Index can empower you to take necessary precautions and enjoy the beautiful Bolivian sun safely.
The UV Index data paints a vivid picture of sun exposure throughout the day. In the early hours, from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, the UV Index remains low, peaking at only 1. However, as the sun climbs higher, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, it surges to 8 at noon, marking the peak of solar intensity. The afternoon sees a slight decline, with the index dropping to 5 at 2:00 PM and further to 3 by 3:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV levels plummet back to a safe 1 by 4:00 PM, and the sun's diminishing rays result in a 0 by 6:00 PM, signaling a welcome reprieve from UV exposure. Essentially, the peak intensity occurs during midday hours, highlighting the importance of seeking shade and wearing protection during these critical hours.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | 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 significant seasonal fluctuations, with extreme exposure levels dominating from January to April and again from September to December. The highest risk months are January, February, and November, where the UV Index reaches an alarming 16, indicating an exposure category of extreme with a burn time of just 10 minutes. In contrast, during May through August, the index reflects very high levels, peaking at 10 in May and August, necessitating a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during these high-risk months, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure, especially during peak hours. Prioritizing skin protection is essential to mitigate the harmful effects of UV radiation year-round.
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 |
| Charagua | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 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 |
| Oruro UVI | 19 | 19 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 19 | 19 |