Last updated: July 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, where the sun's rays can be intense, especially during the hotter months. Understanding UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, as prolonged exposure can lead to serious consequences. With Polonnaruwa's tropical Am climate, UV exposure peaks in the midday hours, reaching levels as high as 13 around noon. This means effective sun protection strategies are essential to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your well-being. Stay informed and stay safe in the sun!
The UV Index displays a stark increase throughout the morning, starting with a manageable 2 at 07:00, climbing to a moderate 4 by 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the index peaks at 13 between 12:00 and 13:00, indicating strong UV radiation and the need for protection. Following this midday intensity, the numbers begin to decline, dipping to 8 at 14:00, and later dropping to a safe 2 by 16:00. By evening, UV exposure diminishes to 0 by 19:00, signaling an end to the day’s sunniest moments. Be mindful of this hourly fluctuation, especially during peak hours, to protect your skin!
| 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 | 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 |