UV Index in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In Colombo, Sri Lanka, being aware of the UV Index is vital for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, which is especially important in a tropical climate like Colombo's, where exposure to intense sunlight is common. With UV Index readings peaking at 13 during midday hours, awareness of these levels is crucial for both locals and visitors alike. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can ensure a safer, healthier experience under the Sri Lankan sun.

Hourly UV Index in Colombo

As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises dramatically, reaching its peak at 12:00 PM with an impressive 13. Early morning hours start off gently, with a maximum of 2 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 4 by 8:00 AM. The sun's intensity truly kicks in at 10:00 AM, hitting a notable 10 before skyrocketing to 12 by 11:00 AM. A slight decline begins after noon, with the index dropping to 11 at 1:00 PM, then tapering off to 8 by 2:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, we see a further decrease, plummeting to 5 at 3:00 PM and drifting downwards to 1 by 5:00 PM, before the sunshine's effects completely fade away by 6:00 PM, when the UV Index reaches 0. It’s a reminder to stay sun-safe during those prime 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	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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Colombo

Throughout the year, the UV Index remains significantly high, indicating an extreme exposure risk for nearly all months. The highest UV Index readings occur from February to April, with a peak of 15 in April, underscoring this period as particularly critical for sun protection. Residents and visitors should be particularly cautious during these high-risk months, which also include March and September when the UV Index is consistently high at 14. Regardless of the month, burn times are alarmingly short, averaging just 10 minutes for peak exposure periods; December is the sole exception with a 15-minute burn time due to a slightly lower UV Index of 10. To stay safe, individuals should wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen regularly, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours throughout the year.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Colombo, Sri Lanka

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Colombo 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.

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