The climate of Jaffna
Situated in the northern region of
Sri Lanka,
Jaffna experiences a tropical wet and dry climate, also known as savannah climate. This climate type is determined by the Köppen climate classification system. Jaffna, nestled on the Jaffna Peninsula, basks under the sun with an average daylight ranging from 11.6 hours to 12.7 hours throughout the year.
Weather-wise, Jaffna displays consistent temperature patterns. The highest average temperature is observed in the fourth and fifth month, hitting 30.4°C (86.7°F) and 30.3°C (86.5°F) respectively, whereas the lowest average dips to 25.5°C (77.9°F) in the inaugural month.
Humidity lies relatively stable throughout the year, with values that fall between the range of 75% to 79%. On the precipitation front, Jaffna experiences a yearly fluctuation with a notable increase in the last quarter. The maximum rainfall of 191mm (7.52") is witnessed in the tenth month and continues to remain elevated with 183mm (7.2") and 140mm (5.51") in the succeeding two months.
Winds speed is another climatic element to consider with the maximum wind gusts reaching up to 48.2km/h (30mph) in the fifth month, and the lowest slowing down to 20.3km/h (12.6mph) in the second month. On the visibility front, Jaffna remains consistent throughout the year with a steady 10km (6.2mi).
The best time to visit Jaffna
With a thorough understanding of the climate, pinpointing the best time to visit
Jaffna comes down to the visitors' preference. However, based on the combination of pleasant temperatures and lower rainfall, the period from the second to fourth month appears ideal when the rainfall is between 13mm (0.51") and 20mm (0.79") and temperatures encompass the moderate range of 27.4°C (81.3°F) to 30.4°C (86.7°F).
The worst time to visit Jaffna
Conversely, the last quarter of the year may not be the most favorable time to explore
Jaffna. The rainfall rises over 100mm (3.94") from 58mm (2.28") in the ninth to 191mm (7.52") in the tenth month and maintains above 100mm (3.94") for the rest of the year. Around this time, the city also witnesses fewer sunshine days, with the lowest value of 5.9 hours.
Spring weather in Jaffna
Aligning with the tropical climate, the temperature in
Jaffna sees a gradual increase from 27.4°C (81.3°F) in the second month to 29.3°C (84.7°F) in the third. Accompanied by a decline in rainfall from 19mm (0.75") to 13mm (0.51") during these months, the city becomes a warm haven for tourists during this spring period. However, the wind gust does drop from 28.6km/h (17.8mph) to a calmer 23.5km/h (14.6mph).
Summer weather in Jaffna
Despite being a tropical city, the fourth through the sixth month brings forth the summer with an increase in temperature from 30.4°C (86.7°F) to 29.7°C (85.5°F). The rainfall flutters around 20mm (0.79") to 18mm (0.71"), and the steady rise in wind speed, from 16.7km/h (10.4mph) to 33.8km/h (21mph), brings a refreshing break from the heat.
Autumn weather in Jaffna
In autumn, between the seventh and ninth months, the temperatures remain relatively stable ranging from 29°C (84.2°F) to 28.8°C (83.8°F). The rainfall begins to pick up, particularly in the ninth month with a significant increase to 58mm (2.28") from 30mm (1.18") in the seventh month. Though the winds at the upper range, the visibility remains at a constant 10km (6.2mi).
Winter weather in Jaffna
Winter in
Jaffna is marked by the highest rainfall of the year. From the tenth to the twelfth month, the rainfall is well above 100mm (3.94"), with the peak being 191mm (7.52") in the tenth month. The temperatures register a slight decline from 29.2°C (84.6°F) to 27.5°C (81.5°F). This period also sees the shortest day length of the year, dropping to 11.6 hours. Though wind speeds and gusts drop to 23.1km/h (14.4mph) and 33.3km/h (20.7mph) respectively, it is still a noticeably windy period.
Weather in January
The start of the year sees a moderate amount of rainfall in
Jaffna,
Sri Lanka. Driven by steady winds at an average speed of 22.9km/h (14.2mph), the weather remains cool. High relative humidity of 76%. A slight dip in temperatures can be appreciated after dark.
Weather in January »Weather in February
A bright
February brings a decrease in cloud cover and rainfall, signifying the onset of the dry spell in
Jaffna. Notably, the wind speed in February drops to 20.3km/h (12.6mph) from the previous month, marking a subtle shift in climatic patterns.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
March unfolds,
Jaffna receives just 13mm (0.51") of rainfall over 5.8 days. The month also embraces remarkably long daylight hours, setting a pleasant backdrop for outdoor activities. Accompanied by steady and balmy sea temperatures, March represents an appealing time for water-based pursuits.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Heading into
April,
Jaffna,
Sri Lanka experiences high daily temperatures, reaching up to 30.4°C (86.7°F). Yet, with an increase in humidity to 77%, the overall feeling could be warm. Sea temperatures also begin to climb at this time, calling to beach-goers.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May offers strikingly warm sea temperature conditions, beckoning swimmers to its shores. Climatic conditions manifest with an average rainfall of 26mm (1.02"), slightly higher than in preceding months. Predominant weather characteristics in May are often characterized by high humidity, moderately strong winds, and extended daylight.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June observes the wind speed reaching its peak for the year, averaging 33.8km/h (21mph). Amid this increase, the weather persists to be sultry as humidity levels remain high. June’s climate pattern embodies sunny days and the occasional rain shower.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July retains similar weather characteristics as its predecessor month with only minor climatic changes. Rainfall volume intensifies with precipitation falling over 10.3 days on average. The aftermath is a lowering in both temperature and wind speed.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Heading into the second half of the year,
August in
Jaffna observes a substantial rise in precipitation, noted at 38mm (1.5"). Coinciding with the increase in rainfall, there’s a slight dip in wind speed to a more gentle 28.7km/h (17.8mph).
Weather in August »Weather in September
September is often characterized by significant rainfall, with a massive leap to 58mm (2.28") from the preceding month, over 15.5 days. Taking precedence, this is one key characteristic of September's weather pattern in
Jaffna.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The weather in
October registers the highest rainfall in
Jaffna, with a whopping 191mm (7.52") precipitation. Tremendous moisture, accumulated in clouds, is released over 22.6 days of the month. An understanding of Jaffna's traditional climatic rhythm suggests that the rainy season intensifies during this month.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November brings along a continuation of the wet season, a hallmark of
Jaffna's annual weather cycle. Exceptionally high rainfall, close to
October’s record, signifies the ongoing intensity of the monsoon. The shift towards the year-end also ushers in shorter daylight hours while the long-standing humidity persists.
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
December, rainfall drops to 140mm (5.51"), indicating the retreat of monsoons from
Jaffna. In line with this decline, the atmospheric pressure also elevates to 1010.9 mb from the previous month's recorded. Gradual changes in climatic conditions are becoming evident in Jaffna during December.
Weather in December » [Resources]