Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Vakarai, Sri Lanka, where the tropical climate brings high levels of UV radiation throughout the day. Awareness of UV levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and long-term skin health, as exposure can lead to serious complications over time. With the UV Index peaking at 12 around midday, the risks of harmful exposure are significant, making it important to know when to seek shade and wear appropriate sun protection. As Vakarai enjoys plenty of sunshine, staying informed about UV conditions can help you enjoy the beautiful weather safely while protecting your skin from potential damage.
The UV Index today tells a compelling story about sun intensity as the day unfolds. Starting gently at 2 at 7:00 AM, it quickly rises, reaching a notable 4 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index surges to 8 at 9:00 AM, peaking at a scorching 12 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM—the ideal time for sun safety precautions. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with readings of 10 at 1:00 PM, followed by a drop to 7 by 2:00 PM. As the evening approaches, the sun's intensity wanes dramatically, dipping to 1 at 5:00 PM and fading away completely to 0 by 6:00 PM. Whether you're planning outdoor activities or simply enjoying the sun, keep a watchful eye on these changing UV levels!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | 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 data reveals a consistent pattern of extreme exposure from January through November, with values peaking at 15 in March. The high-risk months for UV exposure are March, April, May, and September, when the UV Index reaches or exceeds 14, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. Even during the summer months of June and July, the Index remains at 12, highlighting the need for vigilant sun protection. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to limit sun exposure, utilize sunscreen, and wear protective clothing during these months, particularly in the midday hours. As December approaches, the Index decreases to 10, though caution is still warranted with a burn time of 15 minutes. Staying informed about daily UV readings and taking preventive measures can help mitigate the risks associated with sun exposure throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaffna UVI | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
| Vakarai | 12 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| Moratuwa UVI | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| Maharagama UVI | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| Colombo UVI | 12 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |