Climate of Sri Lanka — Month by Month
Country-wide average for Sri Lanka. Part of Southern Asia, Asia.
Located in Southern Asia, Asia, Sri Lanka has a tropical climate. Country-wide average temperatures range from 26°C / 78.8°F in December to 28°C / 82.4°F in May, with annual rainfall totalling around 2132.4 mm / 84 in — driest in January (58.2 mm / 2.3 in), wettest in October (361.6 mm / 14.2 in). These are national averages; regional variation can be substantial, especially in geographically diverse countries. For city-level detail see the cities section below, and for state or province breakdowns follow the subdivisions link if available.
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| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26.1°C79°F | 58.2 mm2.3″ | — |
| February | 26.5°C79.7°F | 71 mm2.8″ | — |
| March | 27.2°C81°F | 106.6 mm4.2″ | Tropical |
| April | 27.8°C82°F | 225 mm8.9″ | Tropical |
| May | 28°C82.4°F | 239.5 mm9.4″ | Tropical |
| June | 27.4°C81.3°F | 186.6 mm7.3″ | Tropical |
| July | 27.1°C80.8°F | 125 mm4.9″ | Tropical |
| August | 27.1°C80.8°F | 117.8 mm4.6″ | Tropical |
| September | 27.1°C80.8°F | 175.8 mm6.9″ | Tropical |
| October | 26.8°C80.2°F | 361.6 mm14.2″ | Tropical |
| November | 26.2°C79.2°F | 304.5 mm12″ | Tropical |
| December | 26°C78.8°F | 160.8 mm6.3″ | Tropical |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka does not have a clear sunny-and-dry window by our cutoffs. The warmest month is May at 28°C / 82.4°F, and the driest is January at 58.2 mm / 2.3 in — likely your best travel window.
What is the climate of Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has country-wide monthly average temperatures ranging from 26°C / 78.8°F in December to 28°C / 82.4°F in May. Annual rainfall averages about 2132 mm / 83.9 in, with the wettest month being October (361.6 mm / 14.2 in) and the driest January (58.2 mm / 2.3 in). Regional variation within Sri Lanka can be significant — see subdivision or city pages for detail.
What is the hottest month in Sri Lanka?
The hottest month in Sri Lanka is May, with a country-wide average temperature of 28°C / 82.4°F.
What is the coldest month in Sri Lanka?
The coldest month in Sri Lanka is December, with a country-wide average temperature of 26°C / 78.8°F.
When does it rain most in Sri Lanka?
The wettest month in Sri Lanka is October, averaging about 361.6 mm / 14.2 in of rain. The driest is January with about 58.2 mm / 2.3 in.