Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Kalutara, Sri Lanka, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful solar radiation. With peak UV levels reaching up to 14 during midday, awareness of these fluctuations can help residents and visitors prevent sunburn and safeguard their skin health. The tropical Af climate of Kalutara brings intense sun exposure, especially during the day when UV rays are at their strongest. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and vibrant outdoor life while minimizing the risks associated with overexposure to sunlight.
The UV Index data for today reveals a dynamic pattern of solar intensity. Starting off at a modest 2 at 07:00, the index climbs steadily, reaching a peak of 14 by 11:00 and 12:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure during these hours. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, dipping to 8 by 14:00 and falling to 5 by 15:00. By evening, the UV Index drops dramatically to 1 at 17:00, and finally sinks to 0 after 18:00, making the evening hours safe for outdoor activities. Remember to stay protected during those peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 5 | 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 | 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 significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels observed from February to April, where values reach a peak of 15 in April. During these months, the exposure category remains extreme, indicating that even brief sun exposure can lead to skin damage, with a burn time consistently set at just 10 minutes. This trend continues into August and September, which also maintain high UV Index ratings of 14. The lowest UV Index occurs in December, dropping to 10, categorized as very high, with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. To safeguard against harmful UV exposure, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to wear protective clothing, use sunscreen, and limit sun exposure during high-risk months, particularly from February through September.
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 UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
Kalutara | 12 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
Colombo UVI | 12 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |