UV Index in Gampaha, Sri Lanka

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Gampaha, Sri Lanka, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the daily UV levels can help residents and visitors alike prevent sunburns and lower the risk of skin damage linked to excessive UV exposure. Gampaha, with its tropical climate, experiences varying UV intensity throughout the day, peaking between 10 AM and 1 PM, when the index can soar to as high as 13. By staying informed about these levels, you can enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding your skin's health.

Hourly UV Index in Gampaha

The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun exposure. Starting gently at 07:00 with a low index of 2, the sun's intensity rapidly escalates as the morning progresses. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 7, peaking at a striking 13 by 11:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As noon approaches, values slightly dip to 12 at 12:00, before gradually descending into the afternoon. The index then falls to 10 at 13:00, 7 at 14:00, and continues to decline to a more manageable 4 by 15:00. The intensity wanes further, with readings of 2 at 16:00 and 1 at 17:00, before finally settling at 0 after 18:00. This day serves as a reminder to protect your skin during peak UV 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	13	extreme	10 min
12:00	12	extreme	10 min
13:00	10	very high	15 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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Gampaha

The UV Index shows a consistently high level of solar radiation throughout the year, with the most intense months being March (Index 15) and April and September (Index 14), all categorized as extreme exposure, where even brief sun exposure can lead to burns in as little as 10 minutes. While January to July and September to November also maintain an extreme level, December has a slightly lower risk with an Index of 10, categorized as very high, allowing for a 15-minute burn time. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures, particularly from March through October, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of harmful UV exposure.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Gampaha, Sri Lanka

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Gampaha 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.

Gampaha'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
Gampaha	12	13	15	14	14	13	12	13	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