UV Index in Bentota, Sri Lanka

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In Bentota, Sri Lanka, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the sun's intensity peaking at a dangerous level of 14 during midday hours, understanding UV exposure is essential for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Bentota's tropical Af climate brings warm sunshine and elevated UV levels, making daily awareness even more important for both locals and visitors. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and vibrant outdoors while safeguarding your skin from harmful rays.

Hourly UV Index in Bentota

The UV Index data for today reveals a dynamic pattern of solar intensity. Starting off at a modest 2 at 07:00, the index climbs steadily, reaching a peak of 14 by 11:00 and 12:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure during these hours. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, dipping to 8 by 14:00 and falling to 5 by 15:00. By evening, the UV Index drops dramatically to 1 at 17:00, and finally sinks to 0 after 18:00, making the evening hours safe for outdoor activities. Remember to stay protected during those peak hours!

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	5	moderate	30 min
09:00	8	very high	15 min
10:00	12	extreme	10 min
11:00	14	extreme	10 min
12:00	14	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	8	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 Bentota

The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels observed from February to April, where values reach a peak of 15 in April. During these months, the exposure category remains extreme, indicating that even brief sun exposure can lead to skin damage, with a burn time consistently set at just 10 minutes. This trend continues into August and September, which also maintain high UV Index ratings of 14. The lowest UV Index occurs in December, dropping to 10, categorized as very high, with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. To safeguard against harmful UV exposure, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to wear protective clothing, use sunscreen, and limit sun exposure during high-risk months, particularly from February through September.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Bentota, Sri Lanka

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Bentota. 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 Bentota, 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 Bentota UV Index with Other Sri Lanka Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Bentota 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.

Bentota'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
Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia UVI	12	13	14	15	14	12	13	14	14	13	11	10
Bentota	12	14	14	15	14	12	13	14	14	13	11	10
Colombo UVI	12	14	14	15	14	13	13	13	14	13	11	10