Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka, a stunning tropical haven known for its picturesque beaches and vibrant marine life. With the sun's intensity peaking at UV Index levels of up to 13 during midday hours, awareness of these levels is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. In this coastal paradise, where the climate is categorized as Af, understanding the UV exposure risks can help you enjoy the sun safely while protecting yourself from harmful effects. Stay informed and safeguard your skin as you embrace the beauty of Hikkaduwa!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking at 13 around 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM—a clear indication that it's crucial to protect your skin during those hours. Early morning starts with a more manageable UV Index of 2 at 07:00, gradually climbing to a moderate 4 by 08:00. By 09:00, it escalates to 7, signaling that sun safety measures should become a priority. The intensity is undeniable, reaching its maximum at 10:00 AM with a blistering 10, before slightly tapering off in the afternoon. By 15:00, the UV exposure decreases to 5, and by 17:00, it falls to 1, signaling the end of the day's high UV risk. Finally, as the sun sets, the UV Index drops to 0 by 19:00, providing a welcome reprieve from the sun’s harsh rays. Stay vigilant and protect your skin during the peak hours!
| 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 | 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 | 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 |
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 |
| Hikkaduwa | 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 |