The climate of Kalutara
Durably seated within a Köppen climate classification of 'Af,'
Kalutara is enveloped by a tropical rainforest climate. This sprawling city nestles on the west coast of
Sri Lanka, frequently graced with uniform temperatures and high humidity conditions all year round. The moderating influence of the Indian Ocean upon Kalutara's position is deemed responsible for its idyllic weather.
Examining the climatic metrics, it becomes evident that Kalutara experiences little variation in both high and low temperatures throughout the year. High temperatures fluctuate modestly within a narrow range, from 28.6°C (83.5°F) to 31.3°C (88.3°F). Correspondingly, nighttime temperatures are observed to fall from 26.3°C (79.3°F) to slightly lower degrees around 23.4°C (74.1°F), justifying the much sought-after reputation of the city's warmly inviting, equatorial climate.
Humidity in this tropical enclave oscillates between 75% and 83%, promoting an environment for lush vegetation to thrive under these conditions. Bolstering this verdant paradise image is the substantial rainfall, which Kalutara receives in abundance almost throughout the year. Noticeably, the city encounters its highest rainfall of 350mm (13.78") in
June, whereas the lowest, lying at 25mm (0.98"), is recorded in
January.
Distinctly unusual for Kalutara is the waning of its wind speeds as the year advances, descending from 13.2km/h (8.2mph) in January to 7.9km/h (4.9mph) by
March before embarking on an incline. Coupled with equable sea temperatures varying from 27.2°C (81°F) to 29.6°C (85.3°F), the plentiful sunshine - albeit diminished between
May and
August due to a concurrent influx of cloud cover - all together contribute to the intricate tapestry of Kalutara's climate.
The best time to visit Kalutara
The optimal timeframe for a visit to
Kalutara hinges on the traveler's preference for drier weather conditions and the pursuit of outdoor activities. By virtue of the city's precipitation pattern, the period extending from
January to
March can be designated as the most favorable for travel. During this phase, rainfall drops to its minimum, registering between 25mm (0.98") and 61mm (2.4"), while sunshine hours remain admirable at 9.2 hours per day in January, just slightly reducing to 9 hours daily by March.
The worst time to visit Kalutara
Conversely, the most challenging period to explore
Kalutara falls between
May and
August. Despite daytime temperatures remaining within a comfortable range, the significantly escalated rain levels combined with the dip in sunshine hours may dampen the allure of this tropical haven.
June, in particular, witnesses the heaviest downpour amounting to an impressive 350mm (13.78") while sunshine hours languish at their lowest at 7.8 hours per day.
Spring weather in Kalutara
March through
May signifies the advent of spring in
Kalutara. During these months, visitors will experience gradually escalating temperatures from 30.3°C (86.5°F) to 30.2°C (86.4°F), and correspondingly, with a slight uptick in night-time temperatures from 25°C (77°F) to a peak of 26.3°C (79.3°F) in May. Humidity ascends to clamp between 77% and 81%, and as
June beckons, the surge in rainfall from 61mm (2.4") to 303mm (11.93") can be noted.
Summer weather in Kalutara
June marks the initiation of summer that lasts until
August in
Kalutara. This period bears witness to a minor downtrend in maximum temperatures from 29.2°C (84.6°F) to 28.6°C (83.5°F). Concomitant with the calmer winds, the city undergoes its highest downpour of 350mm (13.78") in June, eased eventually by a trifle to 282mm (11.1") by August. The precise blend of moist, warm air and abundant rainfall fosters a bona fide rainforest ambiance in this Sri Lankan retreat.
Autumn weather in Kalutara
During the autumn months of
September through
November,
Kalutara's climate moderates to offer high temperature readings close to the annual mean temperature. As the season unfolds, wind speeds are perceptibly reduced, rainfall levels decline progressively from 201mm (7.91") to 133mm (5.24"), and sunshine duration sees a revival from 7.6 hours per day in September, up slightly to 6.8 hours daily by November.
Winter weather in Kalutara
The winter season envelops
Kalutara between
December and
February, marking the onset of relatively drier months. High temperatures seem to hover in a stable range of 29.7°C (85.5°F) to 30.9°C (87.6°F) with bountiful sunshine hours reaching upwards to 9.2 hours per day in December. The dip in rainfall levels to 93mm (3.66") and 25mm (0.98") in December and
January respectively renders this a rejuvenating and enticingly pleasant season in Kalutara.
Weather in January
Kalutara experiences a tropical climate consistent with the rest of
Sri Lanka in
January. Warm temperatures ranging from 23.4°C (74.1°F) to 30.3°C (86.5°F) give way to an excellent beach weather. Sitting above the equator, Kalutara enjoys longer daylight hours approximated at 11.8 hours and a relative humidity of 75%.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Kalutara enters
February with a gradual increase in temperatures, accompanied by an uptick in humidity and rainfall. Expected temperatures elevate, with an average high of 30.9°C (87.6°F). As a region rich in coastal lowlands, the relative humidity is on the higher side, standing at 75%.
Weather in February » Weather in March
This mid-season month of
March comes with subtle weather variations. Compared to
February, the region observes an increase in temperature, introducing warmer days. The maximum temperature reaches an average of 31.3°C (88.3°F), making the region hotter.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As we venture into
April, there is a visible increasing trend in rainfall. The heat remains on a steady climb, with the highest temperature in April also topping at 31.3°C (88.3°F). This fluctuation leads to increased humidity, making the overall weather feel warmer than it is.
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
May,
Kalutara transitions into the monsoon season, marked by an upsurge in humidity and rainfall. This month records the highest rainfall of 303mm (11.93"), indicating the peak of the rainy season. Despite the high levels of precipitation, the temperatures remain relatively constant and warm.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June is a unique month in
Kalutara weather calendar due to its continual high rainfall comparable to
May's magnitude which aggregates to 350mm (13.78"). Temperature and humidity maintain their levels, still providing a very warm climate.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Julys' weather in
Kalutara calms down a bit from
June's monsoon peak with reduction in heavy rainfall and more sunshine hours. Temperatures, however, remain consistent with the maximum temperature reaching 28.7°C (83.7°F). The climatic changes experienced in
July pave the way for a decent sunny yet tropical weather, making it a favorable period for visitors.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Kalutara emulates
July's weather pattern as both months share close climatic characteristics. The temperatures hover around a maximum of 28.6°C (83.5°F), mirroring July’s warmth. The ebbing monsoon means a decline in the number of rainfall days.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September arrives with marginal changes in temperature and an appreciable dip in rainfall. The highest temperature recorded is 28.8°C (83.8°F). As
Kalutara slowly escapes the monsoon season, the humidity levels begin to steadily decrease, leading to a more comfortable atmospheric condition.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Kalutara exhibits a drier atmosphere, a slight incline in temperature, and reduced cloudiness. With a considerable decline in rain, compared to
September, October has 192mm (7.56") of average rainfall. Outdoor activities become more favorable owing to the decline in rainfall and an increase in sunshine duration.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November continues
Kalutara's dry season affording lesser rains as the city gears up to welcome the year-end festivities. Despite the drop in rainfall, the maximum temperature remains consistent at 29.8°C (85.6°F). November boasts more sunshine days, adding to the charm of visiting Kalutara during this period.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December rounds up the year with lesser rains, moderate temperatures, and favourable beach conditions. The highest temperature in December reaches an average of 29.7°C (85.5°F), closing the year on a warm note. With 93mm (3.66") of rainfall spread over 16.5 days, December records the lowest rainfall days of the year.
Weather in December » [Resources]