Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in San Pedro, Bolivia, a region known for its high-altitude location and beautiful sun-soaked days. Being aware of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and preserving skin health—essential knowledge, especially as the UV Index can climb as high as 9 during midday hours. With a warm, Aw climate, San Pedro presents unique challenges, as the sun's intensity increases significantly throughout the day, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM. Staying informed on UV exposure risks is vital to enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a striking pattern of solar intensity. Starting at a barely noticeable level of 1 at 07:00, the index gradually climbs to 2 by 08:00 and reaches a moderate 3 by 09:00. As the sun rises higher, we see a significant increase, peaking at an impressive 9 at 12:00. This intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, with values dipping to 8 by 13:00 and then falling to 6 at 14:00. By late afternoon, the index continues to decline, settling at 3 by 15:00, 2 at 16:00, and ultimately back to 1 by 17:00. As dusk approaches, the UV exposure diminishes completely, with readings of 0 by 18:00 and beyond, making it clear that sun protection is crucial during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | 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 exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels recorded during the early months of the year and late in the fall. January through March sees an extreme UV Index of 15, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes, making these months particularly high-risk for sun exposure. Similarly, October and November also present high UV risks at 14 and 15, respectively, with a burn time of 10 minutes. As spring transitions to summer, the UV Index drops slightly in May to 9 and remains around 8-10 through August, categorized as very high with a longer burn time of 15 minutes. As such, residents and visitors alike should take precautions during these months, especially in the late fall and winter, by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade to reduce the risk of skin damage from ultraviolet radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Pedro | 15 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 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 |