Polonnaruwa weather in May
In May, Polonnaruwa sees average daytime highs of 35°C and overnight lows near 26°C, with 67 mm of rain across 9.3 wet days and about 12.4 hours of daylight. It is the 1st-warmest and 7th-wettest month of the year here.
Day-to-day highs hold fairly steady near 35°C through the month. The sky is clear or mostly clear about 17% of the time in May, and the air most often feels oppressive.
Daylight stretches from about 12 h 18 min at the start of May to 12 h 24 min by month's end. Set against the rest of the year, May is Polonnaruwa's 5th-clearest and 5th-windiest month. For the whole year in context, see Polonnaruwa's year-round climate.
- Daytime high
- 35°
- 1st warmest
- Overnight low
- 26°
- 10th coldest
- Rainfall
- 67 mm
- 9.3 wet days
- Daylight
- 12 h 24 min
- 5:51 AM – 6:13 PM
- Cloud cover
- 70%
- 5th clearest
- Wind
- 15 km/h
- 5th windiest
- Solar energy
- 6.06 kWh/m²
- Travel score
- 2.5
- out of 10
Polonnaruwa is town in North Central Province, Sri Lanka.
- Founded
- 1070
Air quality: WHO Ambient Air Quality Database. Density & description: Wikidata (CC0), GeoNames.
Temperature in May
Day-to-day highs hold fairly steady near 35°C through the month.
A typical May day in Polonnaruwa reaches about 35°C in the afternoon and slips back to 26°C overnight — a 9°C spread between the day's warmth and the night's chill. On most days the high lands between 32°C and 37°C. Set against its neighbours, May runs on par with April and on par with June.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg high (°C) | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 |
| Avg low (°C) | 25 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 35 | 25 |
| 2 | 35 | 26 |
| 3 | 35 | 26 |
| 4 | 35 | 26 |
| 5 | 35 | 26 |
| 6 | 35 | 26 |
| 7 | 35 | 26 |
| 8 | 35 | 26 |
| 9 | 35 | 26 |
| 10 | 35 | 26 |
| 11 | 35 | 26 |
| 12 | 35 | 26 |
| 13 | 35 | 26 |
| 14 | 35 | 26 |
| 15 | 35 | 26 |
| 16 | 35 | 26 |
| 17 | 35 | 26 |
| 18 | 35 | 26 |
| 19 | 35 | 26 |
| 20 | 35 | 26 |
| 21 | 35 | 26 |
| 22 | 35 | 26 |
| 23 | 35 | 27 |
| 24 | 35 | 27 |
| 25 | 35 | 27 |
| 26 | 35 | 27 |
| 27 | 35 | 27 |
| 28 | 35 | 27 |
| 29 | 35 | 27 |
| 30 | 35 | 27 |
| 31 | 35 | 27 |
How May really feels in Polonnaruwa
Once humidity and wind are folded in, May averages 31 days that feel above 32°C and 0 that feel at or below 0°C — the comfort signal a plain temperature reading hides.
The story in May is heat — humidity pushes the afternoon "feels like" well above the raw temperature.
Polonnaruwa weather by month
How May compares with the rest of the year at a glance. May is the 1st-warmest and 7th-wettest month here — the current month is highlighted below.
| Month | High / Low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Wet days | Daylight (hours) | Travel score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29° / 22° | 110 | 14.3 | 11.6 | 4.8 |
| Feb | 30° / 22° | 73 | 10.7 | 11.7 | 4.7 |
| Mar | 33° / 23° | 50 | 9.1 | 11.9 | 3.8 |
| Apr | 34° / 25° | 92 | 14.2 | 12.2 | 2.5 |
| May | 35° / 26° | 67 | 9.3 | 12.4 | 2.5 |
| Jun | 35° / 27° | 18 | 4.1 | 12.5 | 2.8 |
| Jul | 35° / 26° | 26 | 5.4 | 12.4 | 2.8 |
| Aug | 35° / 26° | 32 | 5.6 | 12.3 | 2.7 |
| Sep | 35° / 26° | 53 | 8.2 | 12 | 2.6 |
| Oct | 33° / 25° | 181 | 17.3 | 11.8 | 2.7 |
| Nov | 30° / 23° | 233 | 22.6 | 11.6 | 3.2 |
| Dec | 29° / 23° | 207 | 19.7 | 11.5 | 4.1 |
Cloud cover in May
The sky is clear or mostly clear about 17% of the time in May.
Beyond those clear spells, partly cloudy skies cover about 17% of May, with mostly cloudy or overcast conditions the remaining 66%.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearer (%) | 41 | 39 | 38 | 38 | 38 | 36 | 36 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 30 | 30 |
| Cloudier (%) | 59 | 61 | 62 | 62 | 62 | 64 | 64 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 66 | 66 | 66 | 67 | 67 | 67 | 67 | 67 | 67 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 67 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 70 | 70 |
| Clearer (%) | Cloudier (%) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 41 | 59 |
| 2 | 39 | 61 |
| 3 | 38 | 62 |
| 4 | 38 | 62 |
| 5 | 38 | 62 |
| 6 | 36 | 64 |
| 7 | 36 | 64 |
| 8 | 35 | 65 |
| 9 | 35 | 65 |
| 10 | 35 | 65 |
| 11 | 34 | 66 |
| 12 | 34 | 66 |
| 13 | 34 | 66 |
| 14 | 33 | 67 |
| 15 | 33 | 67 |
| 16 | 33 | 67 |
| 17 | 33 | 67 |
| 18 | 33 | 67 |
| 19 | 33 | 67 |
| 20 | 32 | 68 |
| 21 | 32 | 68 |
| 22 | 32 | 68 |
| 23 | 33 | 67 |
| 24 | 32 | 68 |
| 25 | 32 | 68 |
| 26 | 32 | 68 |
| 27 | 32 | 68 |
| 28 | 32 | 68 |
| 29 | 32 | 68 |
| 30 | 30 | 70 |
| 31 | 30 | 70 |
Chance of precipitation in May
Polonnaruwa gets around 67 mm of rain over 9.3 wet days in May. The line is the day-by-day chance of measurable precipitation.
Day to day, the chance of measurable rain averages around 30% and peaks near 45% on the wettest days. The odds ease toward the end of the month.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rain chance (%) | 45 | 44 | 44 | 43 | 43 | 42 | 41 | 40 | 39 | 37 | 36 | 34 | 33 | 31 | 30 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 |
| Rain chance (%) | |
|---|---|
| 1 | 45 |
| 2 | 44 |
| 3 | 44 |
| 4 | 43 |
| 5 | 43 |
| 6 | 42 |
| 7 | 41 |
| 8 | 40 |
| 9 | 39 |
| 10 | 37 |
| 11 | 36 |
| 12 | 34 |
| 13 | 33 |
| 14 | 31 |
| 15 | 30 |
| 16 | 28 |
| 17 | 27 |
| 18 | 26 |
| 19 | 25 |
| 20 | 24 |
| 21 | 23 |
| 22 | 22 |
| 23 | 21 |
| 24 | 21 |
| 25 | 20 |
| 26 | 20 |
| 27 | 20 |
| 28 | 19 |
| 29 | 19 |
| 30 | 19 |
| 31 | 19 |
Humidity in May
Most of May feels oppressive — the stacked bands show each day's mix of comfort levels, read off the dew point.
By dew point, May lands in the oppressive band about 69% of days. Sticky, muggy-or-worse air turns up on roughly 100% of them.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muggy (%) | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Oppressive (%) | 47 | 47 | 47 | 48 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 56 | 59 | 61 | 64 | 66 | 69 | 72 | 74 | 76 | 79 | 81 | 83 | 84 | 86 | 87 | 89 | 90 | 91 | 92 | 91 | 92 |
| Miserable (%) | 51 | 52 | 52 | 51 | 51 | 50 | 49 | 47 | 46 | 44 | 42 | 39 | 37 | 34 | 32 | 29 | 26 | 24 | 22 | 19 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
| Muggy (%) | Oppressive (%) | Miserable (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 47 | 51 |
| 2 | 1 | 47 | 52 |
| 3 | 1 | 47 | 52 |
| 4 | 1 | 48 | 51 |
| 5 | 1 | 48 | 51 |
| 6 | 1 | 49 | 50 |
| 7 | 1 | 50 | 49 |
| 8 | 1 | 52 | 47 |
| 9 | 1 | 53 | 46 |
| 10 | 2 | 54 | 44 |
| 11 | 2 | 56 | 42 |
| 12 | 2 | 59 | 39 |
| 13 | 2 | 61 | 37 |
| 14 | 2 | 64 | 34 |
| 15 | 2 | 66 | 32 |
| 16 | 2 | 69 | 29 |
| 17 | 2 | 72 | 26 |
| 18 | 2 | 74 | 24 |
| 19 | 2 | 76 | 22 |
| 20 | 2 | 79 | 19 |
| 21 | 2 | 81 | 17 |
| 22 | 2 | 83 | 15 |
| 23 | 2 | 84 | 14 |
| 24 | 2 | 86 | 12 |
| 25 | 2 | 87 | 11 |
| 26 | 2 | 89 | 9 |
| 27 | 2 | 90 | 8 |
| 28 | 2 | 91 | 7 |
| 29 | 2 | 92 | 6 |
| 30 | 3 | 91 | 6 |
| 31 | 3 | 92 | 5 |
Wind in May
Winds average 15 km/h in May.
Across May, daily wind ranges from about 9 km/h on the calmest days to 19 km/h at its breeziest. Calmer and breezier days trade off through the month.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind speed (km/h) | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 |
| Feels | calm | calm | calm | calm | calm | calm | calm | calm | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze |
| Wind speed (km/h) | Feels | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9 | calm |
| 2 | 10 | calm |
| 3 | 10 | calm |
| 4 | 10 | calm |
| 5 | 11 | calm |
| 6 | 11 | calm |
| 7 | 12 | calm |
| 8 | 12 | calm |
| 9 | 12 | light breeze |
| 10 | 13 | light breeze |
| 11 | 13 | light breeze |
| 12 | 14 | light breeze |
| 13 | 14 | light breeze |
| 14 | 15 | light breeze |
| 15 | 15 | light breeze |
| 16 | 15 | light breeze |
| 17 | 16 | light breeze |
| 18 | 16 | light breeze |
| 19 | 16 | light breeze |
| 20 | 17 | light breeze |
| 21 | 17 | light breeze |
| 22 | 17 | light breeze |
| 23 | 18 | light breeze |
| 24 | 18 | light breeze |
| 25 | 18 | light breeze |
| 26 | 18 | light breeze |
| 27 | 18 | light breeze |
| 28 | 19 | light breeze |
| 29 | 19 | light breeze |
| 30 | 19 | light breeze |
| 31 | 19 | light breeze |
Sunrise & sunset in May
Daylight runs from about 12 h 18 min at the start of May to 12 h 24 min by month's end. The lit band spans sunrise to sunset each day.
Days grow by about 6 minutes over May. Sunrise moves from 5:55 AM to 5:51 AM, and sunset from 6:11 PM to 6:16 PM.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daylight (h) | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 |
| Sunrise (AM) | 5:55 | 5:55 | 5:54 | 5:54 | 5:54 | 5:53 | 5:53 | 5:53 | 5:53 | 5:52 | 5:52 | 5:52 | 5:52 | 5:52 | 5:52 | 5:51 | 5:51 | 5:51 | 5:51 | 5:51 | 5:51 | 5:51 | 5:51 | 5:51 | 5:51 | 5:51 | 5:51 | 5:51 | 5:51 | 5:51 | 5:51 |
| Sunset (PM) | 6:11 | 6:12 | 6:12 | 6:12 | 6:12 | 6:12 | 6:12 | 6:12 | 6:12 | 6:12 | 6:12 | 6:12 | 6:13 | 6:13 | 6:13 | 6:13 | 6:13 | 6:13 | 6:14 | 6:14 | 6:14 | 6:14 | 6:14 | 6:15 | 6:15 | 6:15 | 6:15 | 6:15 | 6:16 | 6:16 | 6:16 |
| Daylight (h) | Sunrise (AM) | Sunset (PM) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12.3 | 5:55 | 6:11 |
| 2 | 12.3 | 5:55 | 6:12 |
| 3 | 12.3 | 5:54 | 6:12 |
| 4 | 12.3 | 5:54 | 6:12 |
| 5 | 12.3 | 5:54 | 6:12 |
| 6 | 12.3 | 5:53 | 6:12 |
| 7 | 12.3 | 5:53 | 6:12 |
| 8 | 12.3 | 5:53 | 6:12 |
| 9 | 12.3 | 5:53 | 6:12 |
| 10 | 12.3 | 5:52 | 6:12 |
| 11 | 12.3 | 5:52 | 6:12 |
| 12 | 12.3 | 5:52 | 6:12 |
| 13 | 12.3 | 5:52 | 6:13 |
| 14 | 12.4 | 5:52 | 6:13 |
| 15 | 12.4 | 5:52 | 6:13 |
| 16 | 12.4 | 5:51 | 6:13 |
| 17 | 12.4 | 5:51 | 6:13 |
| 18 | 12.4 | 5:51 | 6:13 |
| 19 | 12.4 | 5:51 | 6:14 |
| 20 | 12.4 | 5:51 | 6:14 |
| 21 | 12.4 | 5:51 | 6:14 |
| 22 | 12.4 | 5:51 | 6:14 |
| 23 | 12.4 | 5:51 | 6:14 |
| 24 | 12.4 | 5:51 | 6:15 |
| 25 | 12.4 | 5:51 | 6:15 |
| 26 | 12.4 | 5:51 | 6:15 |
| 27 | 12.4 | 5:51 | 6:15 |
| 28 | 12.4 | 5:51 | 6:15 |
| 29 | 12.4 | 5:51 | 6:16 |
| 30 | 12.4 | 5:51 | 6:16 |
| 31 | 12.4 | 5:51 | 6:16 |
Solar energy in May
Average shortwave solar energy reaching the ground each day in May, about 6.06 kWh/m².
For context, solar energy here swings from a low near 3.83 kWh/m² to a high of 6.3 kWh/m² in March across the year — May's 6.06 kWh/m² sits near the top of that range.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solar energy (kWh/m²) | 6.2 | 6.2 | 6.2 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 5.9 | 5.9 | 5.9 |
| Level | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Bright | Bright | Bright | Bright | Bright |
| Solar energy (kWh/m²) | Level | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6.2 | Intense |
| 2 | 6.2 | Intense |
| 3 | 6.2 | Intense |
| 4 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 5 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 6 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 7 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 8 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 9 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 10 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 11 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 12 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 13 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 14 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 15 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 16 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 17 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 18 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 19 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 20 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 21 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 22 | 6.0 | Intense |
| 23 | 6.0 | Intense |
| 24 | 6.0 | Intense |
| 25 | 6.0 | Intense |
| 26 | 6.0 | Intense |
| 27 | 6.0 | Bright |
| 28 | 6.0 | Bright |
| 29 | 5.9 | Bright |
| 30 | 5.9 | Bright |
| 31 | 5.9 | Bright |
Hazard calendar for Polonnaruwa
In May, Polonnaruwa sits inside its cyclone season. The full year is below, with each hazard's peak months called out.
Polonnaruwa sits in the North Indian Ocean cyclone zone; the season peaks May and October–November.
Polonnaruwa's monsoon runs October–January, when most of the year's rain falls.
Is May a good time to visit Polonnaruwa?
Our two travel scores rate May for general sightseeing and for beach or pool weather — 0 (poor) to 10 (ideal).
May is a weaker month for outdoor sightseeing in Polonnaruwa.
What to pack for Polonnaruwa in May
From May's temperature range, rain chance, sun and wind — what's worth putting in the bag.
In May, Polonnaruwa sees daytime highs around 35°C and nights near 26°C. Pack light clothes and sun protection. Worth having: rain gear. About 9 days see rain.
Sea temperature near Polonnaruwa in May
The nearest coast averages about 30°C in May — the other half of the beach question. The full-year curve and swim-comfort zones are below.
The sea at the nearest coast (about 63 km away) is warmest in May at about 30°C and coldest in January near 27°C.
The water stays above 20°C all year — warm enough for a swim any month.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea temperature (°C) | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 |
| Comfort | Warm | Warm | Tropical | Tropical | Tropical | Tropical | Tropical | Tropical | Tropical | Tropical | Tropical | Warm |
| Sea temperature (°C) | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27 | Warm |
| Feb | 28 | Warm |
| Mar | 29 | Tropical |
| Apr | 30 | Tropical |
| May | 30 | Tropical |
| Jun | 30 | Tropical |
| Jul | 29 | Tropical |
| Aug | 29 | Tropical |
| Sep | 29 | Tropical |
| Oct | 29 | Tropical |
| Nov | 29 | Tropical |
| Dec | 28 | Warm |
UV index in Polonnaruwa in May
Clear-sky midday UV in May peaks around 14 (very high — sun protection essential). The full-year curve, shaded by WHO exposure level, is below.
Under clear skies, the midday UV index in Polonnaruwa peaks around April 20 at about 14 (extreme) — sunscreen, a hat and midday shade are essential. It bottoms out near December 19 at about 10 (very high).
The index reaches 3 or more — the level where the WHO recommends sun protection — every month of the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UV index (midday) | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
| Level | Extreme | Extreme | Extreme | Extreme | Extreme | Extreme | Extreme | Extreme | Extreme | Extreme | Extreme | Very high |
| UV index (midday) | Level | |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 10 | Extreme |
| Feb | 12 | Extreme |
| Mar | 13 | Extreme |
| Apr | 14 | Extreme |
| May | 14 | Extreme |
| Jun | 11 | Extreme |
| Jul | 11 | Extreme |
| Aug | 12 | Extreme |
| Sep | 13 | Extreme |
| Oct | 12 | Extreme |
| Nov | 11 | Extreme |
| Dec | 10 | Very high |
Air quality in Polonnaruwa in May
Average fine-particle pollution (PM2.5) through the year — so you can see where May falls, not just the annual average.
Air quality in Polonnaruwa is worst in May — around 28 µg/m³ PM2.5 (moderate), and holds fairly steady the rest of the year.
Modeled monthly averages (CAMS reanalysis, 2015–2024).
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 (µg/m³) | 22 | 21 | 24 | 27 | 28 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 25 | 24 | 22 |
| Level | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| PM2.5 (µg/m³) | Level | |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 22 | Moderate |
| Feb | 21 | Moderate |
| Mar | 24 | Moderate |
| Apr | 27 | Moderate |
| May | 28 | Moderate |
| Jun | 21 | Moderate |
| Jul | 20 | Moderate |
| Aug | 20 | Moderate |
| Sep | 21 | Moderate |
| Oct | 25 | Moderate |
| Nov | 24 | Moderate |
| Dec | 22 | Moderate |
Where is Polonnaruwa?
Polonnaruwa sits at 7.9°N, 81.0°E, 0 m above sea level, in Sri Lanka. The nearest listed city is Sigiriya, 28 km away.
Topography around Polonnaruwa
How much the land rises and falls, and what covers it, within 3, 16 and 80 km of Polonnaruwa.
Within 3 km, the terrain around Polonnaruwa has only modest variations in elevation — a maximum elevation change of 38 m around an average of 57 m above sea level; within 16 km, significant variations in elevation — a maximum elevation change of 297 m; within 80 km, very significant variations in elevation — a maximum elevation change of 1,871 m.
The land around Polonnaruwa is covered by trees (48%) and cropland (20%) within 3 km, trees (58%) and cropland (29%) within 16 km, and trees (60%) within 80 km.
Sri Lanka travel facts
- Travel advisory
- Level 2
- Exercise Increased Caution
- Power plugs
- Type D / G / M
- 230 V · 50 Hz
- Prices
- ≈ 27% of US
- price level, 2025
- GDP per capita
- $5,002
- 2025
- Happiness
- 4.0 / 10
- World Happiness, 2025
- Safe drinking water
- 47%
- of population, 2024
- Homicide rate
- 3.3
- per 100k, 2019
- Road deaths
- 19.7
- per 100k/yr, 2019
- Income group
- Upper middle
- World Bank
- English
- Low
- EF EPI 486
- Religion
Sources: World Bank, US State Department, World Happiness Report, WHO/UNICEF, EF EPI, CIA World Factbook.
Data sources
Temperature, precipitation, cloud, humidity, wind and solar figures are a 1991–2020 climatology for Polonnaruwa (7.9397°, 81.0027°, elevation 0 m), computed from hourly ERA5 reanalysis — contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information. Sun figures are astronomical calculations, not observations. City data © GeoNames, CC BY 4.0. Map outlines from Natural Earth (public domain); interactive map © Google. Tropical-cyclone seasons are the published climatological basin seasons (NOAA National Hurricane Center / regional warning centres). Sea temperatures are the NOAA OISST v2.1 1991–2020 monthly climatology (public domain), sampled at the nearest ocean point. UV index is derived from CAMS (Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service) clear-sky UV data — contains modified Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information. Monthly air-quality (PM2.5) seasonality is from the CAMS EAC4 reanalysis (Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service), scaled to the WHO annual mean where available. Topography is sampled from the Copernicus DEM GLO-90 elevation model (© ESA/Airbus) and ESA WorldCover 2021 land cover (CC BY 4.0).