Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka, where the sun's rays can be both inviting and intense. With a tropical climate that typically features high UV exposure, being aware of the UV levels throughout the day is crucial for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. The data indicates significant fluctuations in UV strength, peaking at an intense 12 during midday hours—making awareness key to enjoying the outdoors safely. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to shield yourself from harmful effects and make the most of the beautiful, sun-soaked coast of Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia.
The UV Index data reveals a striking daily pattern in sun exposure. Starting at 07:00, the index is a modest 2, but by 09:00, it ramps up to 7, signaling a significant increase in UV intensity. The peak occurs at 11:00 and 12:00, where it reaches a high of 12, indicating that it's crucial to seek shade and wear protective gear. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, dropping to 4 by 15:00 and further down to 1 by 17:00, before fading to 0 at 19:00. It's essential to be mindful of these hours, particularly between 10:00 and 14:00, when sun protection is paramount for outdoor activities.
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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
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 |