Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin health and preventing sunburn. With a tropical Af climate that typically sees high UV exposure, especially around noon when levels peak at 14, residents and visitors alike must be vigilant about sun safety. By staying informed about the daily UV levels—ranging significantly from 2 in the early morning to a staggering 14 during midday—individuals can take proactive measures to minimize their risk of harmful effects from UV radiation. Knowledge of these levels not only ensures a safer outdoor experience but also promotes long-term skin wellness for everyone in this vibrant city.
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 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 |