Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the beautiful coastal town of Vakarai, Sri Lanka, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding daily UV levels can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn, skin damage, and long-term health issues such as skin cancer. With Vakarai's tropical climate, where UV exposure can peak at a high index of 12 during midday hours, vigilance is key. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun responsibly, ensuring protection for yourself and your loved ones.
The UV Index data reveals a dynamic progression throughout the day, with the sun's intensity gradually rising from a modest 2 at 07:00 to a peak of 12 during both 11:00 and 12:00. This indicates a high risk for sun exposure, making it crucial to take protective measures. As the afternoon rolls in, the index declines, gently tapering off to 8 by 14:00, before plummeting to a mere 1 at 17:00 and hitting 0 by 19:00. Thus, for sun lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, the midday hours (10:00-14:00) are the golden time to enjoy the outdoors, while the diminishing levels later offer a safer reprieve. Remember to stay safe under the sun!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |