Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Negombo, Sri Lanka, where the tropical climate presents unique sun exposure risks. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 13 around noon, awareness of these levels is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. Given that Negombo is known for its beautiful beaches and sunny weather, being informed about UV risks can help you enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting your skin from harmful effects. Make sure to check the UV Index before heading out to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience under the sun!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises dramatically, reaching its peak at 12:00 PM with an impressive 13. Early morning hours start off gently, with a maximum of 2 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 4 by 8:00 AM. The sun's intensity truly kicks in at 10:00 AM, hitting a notable 10 before skyrocketing to 12 by 11:00 AM. A slight decline begins after noon, with the index dropping to 11 at 1:00 PM, then tapering off to 8 by 2:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, we see a further decrease, plummeting to 5 at 3:00 PM and drifting downwards to 1 by 5:00 PM, before the sunshine's effects completely fade away by 6:00 PM, when the UV Index reaches 0. It’s a reminder to stay sun-safe during those prime hours!
| 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains significantly high, indicating an extreme exposure risk for nearly all months. The highest UV Index readings occur from February to April, with a peak of 15 in April, underscoring this period as particularly critical for sun protection. Residents and visitors should be particularly cautious during these high-risk months, which also include March and September when the UV Index is consistently high at 14. Regardless of the month, burn times are alarmingly short, averaging just 10 minutes for peak exposure periods; December is the sole exception with a 15-minute burn time due to a slightly lower UV Index of 10. To stay safe, individuals should wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen regularly, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours throughout the year.
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 |
| Negombo | 12 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| Colombo UVI | 12 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |