UV Index in Chilaw, Sri Lanka

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Chilaw, Sri Lanka, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's Am climate, characterized by warm temperatures and ample sunlight, awareness of UV levels can help you enjoy outdoor activities safely. During peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the UV Index can soar to 14, indicating extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By checking the UV Index regularly, you can take necessary precautions, ensuring that your time under the sun is as enjoyable as it is safe.

Hourly UV Index in Chilaw

The UV Index reveals a dramatic rise in sunlight intensity throughout the morning, peaking at an impressive 14 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. This indicates a time when sun protection is vital, especially as it climbs swiftly from 2 at 07:00 AM to reach 8 by 09:00 AM, illustrating the day’s rapid increase in UV exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index starts to decline, dropping to 5 at 3:00 PM before diminishing further to 1 by 5:00 PM and finally reaching 0 after 6:00 PM. Thus, the midday hours present the highest risk, calling for caution and proper sun safety measures!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	11	extreme	10 min
11:00	14	extreme	10 min
12:00	14	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	9	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Chilaw

Throughout the year, the UV Index in this region remains consistently high, peaking in the spring months of March and April at an UV Index of 14 and 15, respectively, both categorized as extreme with a burn time of just 10 minutes. January to May showcases the highest UV exposure, making these months particularly high-risk for sunburn. Although the index slightly decreases during the summer months, it remains at 13, still categorized as extreme. September returns to a UV Index of 14, indicating that fall also poses significant risk. Visitors and residents should take precautions year-round, particularly from January to April, by using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Chilaw, Sri Lanka

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Chilaw. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Chilaw, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Chilaw UV Index with Other Sri Lanka Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Chilaw compares to other major locations across Sri Lanka. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Chilaw's solar exposure compared to other cities in Sri Lanka. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
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
Chilaw	12	13	14	15	14	13	13	13	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