Last updated: June 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Puearto Pailas, Bolivia, as this small town's Aw climate often brings intense sunlight and varying UV levels throughout the day. Understanding these levels is key to preventing sunburn and protecting your skin's health, especially during peak hours when the UV Index can reach up to 8. With UV exposure risks peaking between 10 AM and 2 PM, it's essential to stay informed and take precautions to enjoy the sun safely while minimizing potential harm from excessive radiation. Stay vigilant, and safeguard your skin in this beautiful yet sun-soaked locale!
At sunrise, the UV Index begins at a gentle 1 at 07:00, rising gradually as the sun climbs higher. By 09:00, it reaches 3, indicating a moderate level of UV radiation. The heat of the day peaks at 12:00 with a high of 8, suggesting it’s time to seek shade or apply sunscreen. As the afternoon progresses, the index slightly drops to 7 at 13:00 and continues to decline, settling at 3 by 15:00. As the sun starts to set, the risk diminishing to 1 at 17:00 and finally dropping to 0 by 18:00, signaling a safer time for outdoor activities as the day winds down. Be mindful of the midday sun to protect your skin!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV index levels experience significant seasonal changes, with the highest readings occurring from January to April and often remaining high through October. The months of January, February, and October stand out with a UV index of 15, indicating an extreme risk level and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during these months, as well as in early March and April when the UV index remains high at 14 and 13, respectively. The summer months offer slightly lower, yet still concerning, UV levels, with May to August registering between 8 and 10, categorized as very high. September sees a return to extreme levels, with a UV index of 12. To ensure safety during these high-risk months, individuals are advised to wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen regularly, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puearto Pailas | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 16 |
| 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 |
| Oruro UVI | 19 | 19 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 19 | 19 |