Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Vallegrande, Bolivia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn. With its Cfb climate offering a mix of temperate weather and abundant sunshine, understanding the levels of UV exposure throughout the day is vital for residents and visitors alike. From the moderate UV levels in the morning to the peak intensity around noon, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can significantly reduce the risk of skin damage. With a maximum UV Index reaching 9 during the sunniest hours, taking precautions is essential for enjoying the beautiful landscapes of Vallegrande while keeping your skin health in check.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at a comfortable 1 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it jumps to 3, signaling a gradual increase in sun exposure. The intensity peaks around 12:00 PM, reaching an impressive 9, making midday the most critical time for sun safety. As the afternoon unfolds, the index slowly declines; it drops to 7 by 2:00 PM, then further decreases to 4 at 3:00 PM. The later hours offer a gentle reprieve, with values falling to 1 by 5:00 PM and ultimately 0 by 6:00 PM. Remember, during those peak hours, it’s essential to protect your skin!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | 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 |
| Vallegrande | 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 |