Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Comarapa, Bolivia, is crucial for promoting skin health and preventing sunburn, especially in this Cfb climate zone known for its varied exposure to sunlight throughout the day. With UV levels peaking at 9 between noon and 1 PM, residents and visitors must be vigilant and well-informed about when to minimize their sun exposure. Knowing how to interpret these UV levels can protect against harmful effects of intense sunlight, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beautiful, lush landscapes of Comarapa without compromising their skin's health.
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 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 |