Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Bentota, Sri Lanka, where the tropical climate brings intense sun exposure. With UV levels frequently reaching peaks of 12 during midday, awareness of these fluctuations can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and overall skin health. This knowledge allows you to enjoy the beautiful beaches while minimizing the risks of harmful UV radiation. Knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen can make all the difference in this vibrant coastal town, where typical exposure risks can turn a sunny day into a painful experience. Stay informed and safeguard your skin as you bask in Bentota's warmth!
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 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.
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 |
| 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 |