Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for Yacuiba's residents and visitors, as it plays a crucial role in promoting skin health and preventing sunburn. Bolivia's striking beauty comes with an elevated risk of UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when the index peaks, reaching levels up to 8. In Yacuiba, characterized by a Cwa climate, the sun can be intense even in cooler seasons, making awareness of UV levels paramount. By staying informed about daily UV variations, you can take essential precautions to enjoy the sunshine safely and protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic pattern of sun intensity. Starting at a gentle 0 at 7:00 AM, the UV levels gradually rise to 1 by 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, the intensity picks up to 3, setting the stage for a sunny day. The real heat begins at 11:00 AM with a soaring 5, peaking at 12:00 PM with a bold 7. 1:00 PM marks the highest point of the day with a robust 8, prompting outdoor enthusiasts to seek shade. As the afternoon progresses, UV levels begin to decline: 7 at 2:00 PM, 6 at 3:00 PM, and tapering down to 4 at 4:00 PM. The evening cools off, dropping to 2 by 5:00 PM, finally settling back to 1 by 6:00 PM and 0 again by 7:00 PM. Be mindful of peak UV hours for a safe, sun-filled day!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index varies significantly, with extreme levels seen from January to April and again in September to November. The highest risk months are January, February, March, October, November, and December, each with an alarming UV Index of 15, indicating an extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. April sees a slight decrease with a UV Index of 11 but remains in the extreme category, while May transitions to a very high level with a UV Index of 9, allowing for slightly longer exposure (15 minutes). Summer months, particularly June to August, reveal a drop in UV levels, but July and August still rank with a very high rating. Visitors and residents should exercise caution, especially during the high-risk months, by wearing protective clothing, sunscreen, and seeking shade whenever possible to minimize sun damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yacuiba | 15 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 |
| 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 |