Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, is essential for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With a tropical climate that exposes residents and visitors to varying UV levels throughout the day, awareness of these fluctuations can make a significant difference in managing sun exposure. During the peak hours of 10 AM to 1 PM, the UV Index reaches a high of 13, indicating an urgent need for protective measures. By grasping how these UV levels affect your skin, you can better enjoy the rich historical and natural beauty of Polonnaruwa while keeping your skin safe from harmful ultraviolet rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a low 2 at 07:00, making it a relatively safe time for early outdoor activities. However, by 08:00, the index climbs to 4, signaling the start of increased sun exposure. The intensity peaks at 11:00 with a remarkable level of 13, urging everyone to seek shade or wear protective measures. The UV rays remain potent until 13:00, with the index still at 10. As the afternoon progresses, the numbers dip, falling to 7 by 14:00 and tapering off to 4 at 15:00. The latter part of the day brings relief, as the UV Index drops steadily to 2 by 16:00, and by evening, it falls to a negligible 0 at 18:00 and 19:00. In summary, midday hours demand the most caution, while cooler evening hours provide a safe haven from harmful UV rays.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains critically high, peaking at 15 in March. The months of January to April continue to pose significant risk with UV Index values from 12 to 15, marking these as high-risk months for sun exposure. Although June through October have slightly lower indices ranging from 13 to 14, the exposure category remains extreme, indicating that visitors and residents should take precautions year-round. It is advisable to minimize outdoor activities during peak hours, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen regularly, especially from January to September, when the burn time is only 10 minutes. Even in December, although the UV Index drops to 10 with a longer burn time of 15 minutes, it is important to stay vigilant. Prioritizing skin protection is crucial for anyone spending time outdoors in this region.
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 |
| Polonnaruwa | 12 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 |
| Colombo UVI | 12 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |