UV Index in Wattegama, Sri Lanka

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Wattegama, Sri Lanka, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With high UV levels peaking at 14 during midday, awareness can help you prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Wattegama’s tropical climate, characterized by its warm temperatures and abundant sunshine, poses considerable UV exposure risks, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can better plan your outdoor activities and shield yourself against harmful rays, ensuring a safer and healthier outdoor experience.

Hourly UV Index in Wattegama

The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the day’s sun intensity, peaking at 14 around 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. As the morning unfolds, the index climbs steadily from a modest 2 at 07:00 AM to an impressive 12 by 10:00 AM, signaling a strong need for sun protection. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, dropping to 4 by 03:00 PM, and further tapering off to 0 by 07:00 PM. This data suggests that the sun is at its most potent during the late morning hours, making it crucial for outdoor adventurers to safeguard their skin during that peak time! Remember, staying sun-safe is key as the UV exposure evolves throughout the day.

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	9	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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Wattegama

The UV Index remains consistently high throughout the year, with extreme exposure levels observed from January to October, peaking in March at 15. February and April closely follow, each also reaching a UV Index of 15. This trend indicates that the high-risk months for sun exposure are primarily from January to October, with March being particularly notable. Tourists and residents should take precautions, such as wearing protective clothing and sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure to prevent skin damage, especially during these months when the burn time is just 10 minutes. As the UV Index starts to drop slightly in November and December, it is still essential to stay aware, as levels remain at 11, indicating ongoing risk.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Wattegama, Sri Lanka

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Wattegama 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.

Wattegama'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
Colombo UVI	12	14	14	15	14	13	13	13	14	13	11	10
Wattegama	12	13	15	15	14	13	13	14	14	13	11	11