Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Wellawaya, Sri Lanka, where the sun's intensity can significantly impact skin health. With maximum UV levels often reaching 13, it’s essential to be aware of these numbers to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage during the hottest hours of the day. Wellawaya’s tropical climate brings abundant sunshine year-round, heightening exposure risks, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM when UV rays are at their peak. Stay informed and protect your skin by monitoring the UV Index – your health will thank you!
The UV index throughout the day presents an intriguing journey of exposure, peaking at 13 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM—the sun's most intense moment. Starting from a modest 2 at 7:00 AM, the index swiftly escalates, hitting 4 by 8:00 AM and soaring to a substantial 11 at 10:00 AM. Just one hour later, it reaches its zenith, radiating at 13, before gradually descending as the afternoon wanes. By 3:00 PM, it's a more manageable 5, eventually dwindling down to 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe retreat from the sun's rays. This dynamic UV pattern serves as a reminder to stay vigilant under the sun, especially during its peak hours when protective measures are essential.
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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index displays consistent high values, indicating an extreme exposure category that requires vigilance. The highest risk months are from February to April, where the UV Index peaks at 15 to 16, corresponding with a burn time of just 10 minutes. These months are critical for sun safety, as the likelihood of skin damage is significantly elevated. Visitors and residents should take proactive measures by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours. Even in the lower UV Index months of November and December, where the index drops to 11 and 12, caution is still advised, as skin sensitivity can vary. Remember, consistent sun protection is essential year-round to minimize the risks associated with UV exposure.
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 |
Wellawaya | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 11 |