Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Samaipata, Bolivia, understanding the UV Index is essential for both residents and visitors looking to enjoy the outdoors safely. With the sun reaching its peak intensity during midday hours, awareness of UV levels can significantly aid in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health over time. This quaint town, nestled in a Cfb climate zone, often experiences high UV exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM when the UV Index can soar to levels of 8 and 9. Being informed about these risks empowers you to take proactive measures, ensuring that your time in the sun is both enjoyable and safe!
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 extreme levels throughout the winter and early spring months, reaching a peak of 17 in November and December, with a consistent burn time of just 10 minutes during this period. January to April maintains an exceptionally high UV index, where values hover around 16 to 14, indicating that the potential for skin damage is significant. Even during the summer months of June and July, when the UV index drops to 9, caution is still advised, as the burn time increases to 15 minutes. This fluctuates again in August and September as the index rises back to 11 and 14, respectively. To ensure safety, residents and visitors should take extra precautions from November through April and during August and September when UV levels are particularly harmful. Always seek shade during peak sun hours, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen liberally to mitigate risks associated with sun exposure.
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 |
| Samaipata | 16 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 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 |