Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for the residents and visitors of Comarapa, Bolivia, where the high-altitude climate amplifies the sun's intensity. With UV levels soaring as high as 10 during midday, being aware of these readings is vital for sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. Comarapa's Cfb climate brings typical risks of UV exposure, especially during the peak hours from 10 AM to 4 PM when precautions should be taken. Stay informed and protect your skin while enjoying the vibrant outdoor life that this beautiful region has to offer!
The UV Index reveals a dynamic day of sun exposure, starting off gently with a low of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index begins to rise sharply, peaking at 10 by noon, signaling ideal conditions for outdoor activities—though caution is advised. The intensity remains high as it slightly dips to 9 at 1:00 PM and 7 at 2:00 PM, before tapering off in the afternoon. By 4:00 PM, the index drops to 2, and the sun’s intensity continues to fade, reaching 0 by 6:00 PM. This hourly trend underscores the importance of sun safety during peak hours, particularly from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, when protection is most crucial.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences a notable seasonal fluctuation, with particularly high-risk months from January through April, where the index consistently remains at a dangerously high level of 14 to 16, signaling extreme exposure risks and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Moving into the summer, the index slightly decreases, peaking at 11 in both May and August, while still classified as extreme. In June and July, the index drops to 9 and 10, categorizing these months as very high, allowing for a marginally longer burn time of 15 minutes. The indices soar again in the fall, especially in September and October, with values hitting 14 and 16, then soaring to a staggering 17 in November and December. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions throughout the year, especially during the extreme months, by using high-SPF sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to minimize the risk of severe sunburn and skin damage.
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 |
| Comarapa | 16 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 17 |
| 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 |