Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka, where the tropical climate can lead to high levels of sun exposure. As the UV Index varies throughout the day, being mindful of these levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. With the highest readings typically peaking at 12 PM, when the index can reach a staggering 13, awareness of UV risks is essential. Whether enjoying the beautiful beaches or exploring local attractions, knowing the UV levels empowers everyone to take proactive steps in safeguarding their skin from harmful effects of sun exposure.
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!
| 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 |
The UV Index exhibits seasonal variations, remaining critically high throughout the year, with extreme exposure categories dominating from January to October. Notably, the highest UV levels occur from March to April (UV Index 14-15), marking these months as high-risk periods for sunburn, with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. While the UV Index dips slightly in November (11) and December (10), where the burn time increases to 15 minutes, caution is still advised. Visitors and residents are urged to utilize sunscreen, seek shade, and wear protective clothing year-round, especially during the peak months, to minimize the risk of UV-related health issues.
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 | 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 |