Last updated: June 2, 2025
In San Matias, Bolivia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. With a climate characterized by high UV exposure, especially during midday hours when the index peaks at 8, residents and visitors alike should stay informed and take protective measures. As you enjoy the beautiful, sunny days in this Aw climate zone, being vigilant about UV radiation can make all the difference in protecting yourself from its lasting effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, signaling a mild increase in UV exposure. The intensity heats up quickly, reaching a moderate 4 by 9:00 AM, before hitting its peak of 8 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This is the prime time for sun safety awareness! After noon, the UV Index gradually declines; by 3:00 PM, it recedes to 3, and as the day wanes, it drops significantly to 1 by 4:00 PM. By evening, UV levels have diminished, reaching 0 by 6:00 PM, offering a reprieve from the sun’s rays.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels demonstrate significant seasonal variations, with the highest readings occurring in the winter months, characterized as extreme (16-15) from January to March and notably in December. The burn time during these months is a mere 10 minutes, indicating a high risk of skin damage. As spring transitions into summer, UV levels drop slightly, only to rise again in late summer with extreme levels re-emerging in August and September. In contrast, May and June experience very high UV levels (10-8), with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Throughout these high-risk months, particularly from January through March and again in August through October, it’s crucial for visitors and residents to take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize exposure. Be vigilant, especially during peak sunlight hours, to ensure safe outdoor activity.
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 |
| San Matias | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 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 |