Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka, especially given the region's tropical climate, which brings high levels of sun exposure year-round. Monitoring UV levels can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and promote skin health, helping you enjoy the outdoors while minimizing harmful effects. During peak hours, particularly from 10 AM to 1 PM, the UV Index can climb to an intense 12, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take necessary precautions to safeguard your skin in this sun-kissed paradise.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a striking pattern of solar intensity. Early risers at 07:00 experience a mild level of 2, but as the sun climbs higher, the intensity surges. By 10:00, it reaches a peak of 10, and the midday hours from 11:00 to 12:00 are even more intense, with a UV Index of 12—the point at which protective measures become essential. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, dropping to 7 at 14:00 before easing to 4 by 15:00. The evening brings relief, with the index plummeting to 1 by 17:00 and eventually fading to 0 after 18:00. To make the most of the sun, enjoy the morning hours, but be cautious during peak times and keep that sunscreen handy!
| 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 | 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 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 UVI | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
| Kilinochchi | 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 |