Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka, as it directly influences skin health and sunburn prevention. With the region's tropical climate, the sun's intensity can reach alarming levels, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, when UV readings peak at a high of 14. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can take proactive measures to protect your skin and enjoy the beautiful beaches and vibrant outdoor life that this coastal paradise has to offer. Make UV Index awareness part of your routine to ensure a healthier, sun-safe experience in this breathtaking location.
At 07:00, the UV Index starts at a modest 2, but as the sun rises higher, it escalates rapidly. By 08:00, the index doubles to 4, signaling a gradual increase in UV exposure. The peak arrives between 10:00 and 12:00, where it hits an impressive 14, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Temperatures soar as the index dips slightly to 12 by 13:00 and further declines to 9 by 14:00. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels plummet, dropping to 5 at 15:00 and falling to 2 by 16:00. The sun's strength fades further with readings of 1 at 17:00 and finally reaching 0 after 18:00. It's a stark reminder of the sun's intensity, urging everyone to prioritize sun safety during those peak hours.
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 |