Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Ratnapura, Sri Lanka, where the tropical climate can expose you to harmful ultraviolet rays. With UV levels peaking at a staggering 13 during midday hours, awareness is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. By keeping track of the UV Index, you can enjoy the vibrant outdoor activities Ratnapura has to offer while protecting yourself from the associated risks of high UV exposure, especially during the sunniest hours of the day. Stay informed and safeguard your skin!
The UV Index offers a fascinating glimpse into how sunlight intensity changes throughout the day. Starting early at 07:00, it peaks at a modest 2, but by 09:00, it climbs dramatically to 8, signaling the need for sun protection. At 10:00, it reaches an impressive 11, and this intensity remains steady until 12:00, where it hits its maximum of 13. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually declines, dipping to 7 by 14:00 and further down to 4 by 15:00. The evening hours show a significant drop, with values falling to 2 at 16:00, 1 at 17:00, and finally hitting 0 by 18:00 and beyond. This data underscores the importance of being vigilant during midday hours when the sun's rays are most potent.
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 | 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 exhibits consistently extreme levels throughout the year, with particularly high numbers from February to May, peaking in March and April at 15. Visitors and residents should be especially vigilant during these high-risk months, as the burn time is just 10 minutes regardless of the month. Despite a slight decline in the UV Index during the summer and fall, the exposure remains notably high, ranging from 12 to 14. It is essential for everyone to take precautionary measures year-round, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, to minimize the risk of UV-related health issues.
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 |
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 |
Ratnapura | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 |