UV Index in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With its tropical climate, Anuradhapura experiences significant sun exposure throughout the day, particularly during peak hours from 10 AM to 1 PM, when UV levels can soar to 12—indicative of extreme risk. By staying informed about UV levels, residents and visitors can take proactive steps to protect themselves from harmful effects of the sun, ensuring a safer outdoor experience in this historically rich city.

Hourly UV Index in Anuradhapura

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!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Anuradhapura

Throughout the year, the UV Index in this region remains notably high, with extreme levels from January to October, peaking at 15 in April. The months of February, March, April, and September are particularly risky, as they show UV Index values of 13 to 14, where the burn time is a mere 10 minutes for unprotected skin. December sees a slight decrease to a very high level of 10, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. With such high UV exposure year-round, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take appropriate precautions: seek shade during the hottest parts of the day, wear protective clothing, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen diligently to minimize the risk of skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Anuradhapura. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Anuradhapura, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Anuradhapura UV Index with Other Sri Lanka Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Anuradhapura compares to other major locations across Sri Lanka. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Anuradhapura's solar exposure compared to other cities in Sri Lanka. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Anuradhapura	12	13	14	15	13	12	12	13	14	12	12	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
Colombo UVI	12	14	14	15	14	13	13	13	14	13	11	10