Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka, where the tropical climate can lead to high levels of UV exposure, especially during mid-day. With UV Index readings peaking at 13 around 11:00 AM, it’s important to be aware of the potential for sunburn and long-term skin health risks. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take essential precautions to protect your skin and enjoy the sunny outdoors without harm. From seeking shade to applying sunscreen, every step counts in safeguarding your health against the sun's powerful rays in this vibrant city.
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!
| 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 |
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.
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 |
| Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte | 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 |