Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the city's tropical Af climate, sun exposure can vary dramatically throughout the day, peaking at a significant UV Index of 12 around noon. Understanding these UV levels not only helps you protect against immediate effects like sunburn but also reduces the risk of long-term skin damage. Whether you're enjoying the sun at the beach or going for an afternoon stroll, being aware of the UV Index can empower you to take necessary precautions and enjoy the vibrant outdoor lifestyle Moratuwa has to offer.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a striking pattern of solar intensity. Early risers at 07:00 experience a mild level of 2, but as the sun climbs higher, the intensity surges. By 10:00, it reaches a peak of 10, and the midday hours from 11:00 to 12:00 are even more intense, with a UV Index of 12—the point at which protective measures become essential. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, dropping to 7 at 14:00 before easing to 4 by 15:00. The evening brings relief, with the index plummeting to 1 by 17:00 and eventually fading to 0 after 18:00. To make the most of the sun, enjoy the morning hours, but be cautious during peak times and keep that sunscreen handy!
| 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 | 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 |
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 |