Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful effects of sun exposure. Understanding UV levels helps you make informed decisions about outdoor activities, preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. With a tropical climate characterized by high UV radiation, especially during midday when levels can peak at 13, the risk of overexposure is significant. Stay informed and safeguard your skin by keeping an eye on the UV Index!
The UV Index displays a stark increase throughout the morning, starting with a manageable 2 at 07:00, climbing to a moderate 4 by 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the index peaks at 13 between 12:00 and 13:00, indicating strong UV radiation and the need for protection. Following this midday intensity, the numbers begin to decline, dipping to 8 at 14:00, and later dropping to a safe 2 by 16:00. By evening, UV exposure diminishes to 0 by 19:00, signaling an end to the day’s sunniest moments. Be mindful of this hourly fluctuation, especially during peak hours, to protect your skin!
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 | 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 shows significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking in the spring and summer months, specifically from February to September when the index ranges from 13 to 15, indicating an extreme exposure category. Notably, March and April are the months with the highest measurements, making them particularly high-risk for sunburn, with a burn time of only 10 minutes. As summer transitions to fall, the UV levels remain high until October, gradually decreasing to a very high index of 10 by December, which increases the permissible burn time to 15 minutes. To protect yourself during the high-risk months, it is crucial for visitors and residents to wear sunscreen, seek shade, and limit sun exposure, especially between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun's rays are strongest.
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 | 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 |
Colombo UVI | 12 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |