Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Cruz de la Sierra is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With its tropical climate and high altitude, the region experiences varying UV levels that can pose significant risks for sunburn and long-term skin damage. From the morning hours to peak noon exposure, knowing the UV index helps you take the necessary precautions—be it applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, or seeking shade. As the index climbs, particularly between 10 AM and 1 PM, awareness around sun safety is vital to enjoy the abundant sunshine while protecting your skin health against harmful rays.
The UV Index for the day presents a dynamic outlook, starting off low with a maximum of 1 at both 7:00 and 8:00 AM, indicating a relatively safe period for outdoor activities. As the sun climbs higher, the index peaks sharply, reaching 9 by 12:00 PM, signaling a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The afternoon shows a slight decline, with readings of 8 at 1:00 PM and 6 at 2:00 PM, but it's important to stay cautious. By 3:00 PM, the UV Index falls to 4, and it continues to decrease, dropping to a safe 0 by 6:00 PM. This pattern highlights the need for sun protection, especially during the midday hours when the UV radiation is at its most intense. Enjoy the sun, but remember to prioritize your skin's health!
| 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 | 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 demonstrates significant seasonal variation, with extreme levels observed from January to April and again in October through December. The highest monthly readings are recorded in November (16) and December (16), signaling high-risk months for UV exposure. March remains notably high at an index of 14. The UV Index drops to the very high category during the summer months of May through August, where burn times increase to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should be especially cautious and protect themselves from UV rays during the extreme exposure months, regardless of the season. It is advisable to wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade whenever possible, particularly during peak sunlight hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz de la Sierra | 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 |