Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, as it serves as a vital tool for monitoring sun exposure and protecting skin health. With temperatures soaring, particularly during midday hours when the UV Index peeks at 13, awareness is key to preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Given Jaffna's tropical climate, the risk of harmful UV radiation is notably higher, especially during the peak sun hours from 10 AM to 2 PM. By keeping an eye on these UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful sunshine of Jaffna while safeguarding your skin from its potentially damaging effects.
The UV Index throughout the day paints a striking picture of sun exposure. Starting at 2 at 7:00 AM, it steadily climbs to a peak of 13 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, indicating a high risk for unprotected skin. As the day progresses, the intensity begins to wane, dropping to 4 by 3:00 PM before fading to 0 by 6:00 PM. The ideal time for outdoor activities with minimal risk is between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the index hits an impressive 11 and 13. However, caution is advised during the peak hours when the sun is most aggressive. Always remember to protect your skin!
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | 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 in this region demonstrates seasonal variations that peak during the early months of the year, remaining consistently in the extreme exposure category (11-15) from January through October. Specifically, March and April show the highest UV levels, reaching 14 and 15 respectively. High-risk months include March, April, and September, where UV exposure is at its peak, with a burn time of just 10 minutes for most of the year. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen with high SPF, and seeking shade, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Even as we transition into the cooler months, October to December exhibit a notable drop in UV levels, although November still maintains a high level of caution with a UV index of 11. It’s essential to remain vigilant year-round, as UV exposure can still pose a risk, particularly in sunny conditions.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaffna | 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 |
| 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 |