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Contents
- The climate of Nuwara Eliya
- The best time to visit Nuwara Eliya
- The worst time to visit Nuwara Eliya
- Spring weather in Nuwara Eliya
- Summer weather in Nuwara Eliya
- Autumn weather in Nuwara Eliya
- Winter weather in Nuwara Eliya
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
The climate of Nuwara Eliya
Nestled in Central Province, Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya enjoys a Tropical rainforest climate as delineated by the Köppen climate classification system. This city, branded as the 'Af' climate zone, undergoes significant rainfall throughout the year, even during its driest month.
The climate in Nuwara Eliya is characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall. On average, temperatures swing from a comfortable 15.3°C (59.5°F) to a relatively high 27.6°C (81.7°F). The city records the hottest temperatures typically from March to July with minor fluctuations.
Rainfall in Nuwara Eliya tends to be consistent throughout the year, the city being renowned for heavy showers that amount to an impressive total of 2,616mm (24.25") annually. The wettest period generally occurs in October, with the precipitation reaching a yearly high of 656mm (25.83"), while the driest month, January, draws in 85mm (3.35") of rainfall.
The level of humidity in Nuwara Eliya fluctuates slightly across the year, hovering from 80% to 89%. The higher levels of humidity are usually observed during November and December, corresponding with increased rainfall and relatively lower temperatures during these months.
The climate in Nuwara Eliya is characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall. On average, temperatures swing from a comfortable 15.3°C (59.5°F) to a relatively high 27.6°C (81.7°F). The city records the hottest temperatures typically from March to July with minor fluctuations.
Rainfall in Nuwara Eliya tends to be consistent throughout the year, the city being renowned for heavy showers that amount to an impressive total of 2,616mm (24.25") annually. The wettest period generally occurs in October, with the precipitation reaching a yearly high of 656mm (25.83"), while the driest month, January, draws in 85mm (3.35") of rainfall.
The level of humidity in Nuwara Eliya fluctuates slightly across the year, hovering from 80% to 89%. The higher levels of humidity are usually observed during November and December, corresponding with increased rainfall and relatively lower temperatures during these months.
The best time to visit Nuwara Eliya
Taking into account the prevalent climatic conditions, January through to March would be the optimal period to visit Nuwara Eliya. These months register the lowest rainfall, ranging from 85mm (3.35") to 121mm (4.76"), and provide a milder climate with average high temperatures lingering around 27°C (80.6°F). In addition, the sunshine duration per day at this time ranges from 7.1 hours to 7.9 hours, making it an ideal period for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Nuwara Eliya
When assessing weather conditions for travel, it may be less favorable to visit Nuwara Eliya from October to December. During this period, the city registers the highest rainfall — peaking at a severe 656mm (25.83") in October — coupled with relatively lower temperatures and shorter daylight hours. In addition, the sunlight duration volumes during these months dip to 5.6 hours a day in November and 4.6 hours a day in December, resulting in less than optimum conditions for outdoor explorations.
Spring weather in Nuwara Eliya
In Nuwara Eliya, the stretch from March to May typifies Spring. During this period, city dwellers experience average high temperatures wavering between 27.5°C (81.5°F) and 27.3°C (81.1°F), and average low temperatures from 16.2°C (61.2°F) to 19.1°C (66.4°F). It is also during this time that rainfall escalates, with precipitation totals expanding from 121mm (4.76") in March to 290mm (11.42") in May, and for sunshine duration, it lasts between 7.9 hours to 9.1 hours a day.
Summer weather in Nuwara Eliya
In contrast, the Summer months — from June to August — usher in slightly cooler weather. Temperatures soften to an average high of 27.2°C (81°F) and average lows from 19°C (66.2°F) to 18.4°C (65.1°F). Rainfall sees a slight reduction with average totals ranging from 112mm (4.41") to 128mm (5.04"). Sunshine hours scale up to a yearly peak of 10 hours a day in June before slipping back to 8.2 hours in August.
Autumn weather in Nuwara Eliya
During Autumn, from September to November, Nuwara Eliya experiences a dramatic rise in rainfall with total precipitation mounting from 182mm (7.17") to an impressive 656mm (25.83") in October. Coinciding with this wet spell, temperatures hover over an average high of 27.1°C (80.8°F) to 24.8°C (76.6°F) and an average low range of 18.7°C (65.7°F) to 17.5°C (63.5°F). Sunshine duration ebbs to 7 hours a day in November.
Winter weather in Nuwara Eliya
December through to February marks Winter in Nuwara Eliya. These months are associated with a decrease in temperatures, with highs settling around 24.3°C (75.7°F) and low temperatures averaging at 17°C (62.6°F) in February. Rainfall measurements reduce significantly from 416mm (16.38") in December to 85mm (3.35") in January — registering the driest period in the city. Despite the shortened sunlight duration, these months still see between 4.6 hours to 7.1 hours of sunshine per day.
Weather in January
Celebrate the New Year in spanking style in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka where January offers a pleasant climate with an average high temperature of 25°C (77°F) and an average low of 15.8°C (60.4°F). The weather is slightly cooler compared to the upcoming months, making it a great time to explore the beautiful city without getting excessively sweaty. Weather in January »
Weather in February
With February, the weather gets a warmer in Nuwara Eliya with a mild increase in temperature compared to January. This season promises vibrant landscapes, making it an ideal time for tea plantation strolls and mountain trekking. Weather in February »
Weather in March
March is a treat for all those who enjoy warm climates. It is livelier compared to the previous months, with longer daylight hours promising extra sunshine. However, remember your raincoat and umbrella, as there will significantly be rainy days. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April showers in Nuwara Eliya are not simply a phrase but reality. April is quite the humid month and the increase in rainfall is notable in comparison to March. This climatic condition elevates the scenic beauty to a whole new level, making it a photographer's paradise. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May greets Nuwara Eliya with a reduction in rainfall and increasing hours of sunlight. The weather takes a slight turn from the humid conditions of April with lesser rainfall and more clear days. The city, fresh from the April showers look more green and rejuvenating. Weather in May »
Weather in June
In June, the city of Nuwara Eliya continues to enjoy a pleasant, warm weather, slightly more humid compared to May. The city, enriched by the May showers, radiates an enduring charm, making it a perfect time for scenic drives through the country. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July offers a steady weather pattern, akin to June, with a slight increase in relative humidity. It’s a pleasant month overall with minimum fluctuation in the temperature, thus maintaining the ideal weather conditions for sightseeing. Weather in July »
Weather in August
The weather of Nuwara Eliya in August makes it a favorable time to enjoy the natural beauty at its best, soaking in the cool, pleasant, and slightly damp atmosphere. The city imparts a refreshing green hue due to the monsoons and makes the landscapes look magically enticing. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September arrives in Nuwara Eliya with a slightly hotter climate and a fair increase in the rainy days compared to August. The weather is a mix of warm days and cool nights, thus ensuring a comfortable climate for tourists and locals alike. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October welcomes you to Nuwara Eliya with cooler weather and the highest rainfall of the year, making it the wettest month. The temperature drops making the days cooler but comfortably warm. It is a paradise for rain lovers, wherein they can enjoy the pouring rain along with a hot cup of Sri Lankan tea. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November marks the beginning of the cool season in Nuwara Eliya with a drop in temperature, yet with warmer days left to enjoy. It's a mixed bag of weather with decreased rainfall giving clearer skies allowing for outdoor excursions. Weather in November »
Weather in December
December ushers in all the charm of winter, marking the coolest month in Nuwara Eliya. The temperature dips further as the year ends, rendering the city with a refreshing and cool climate. However, the warm days continue to prevail enabling a perfect meld of cool and warm climates. Weather in December »
[Resources]Frequently asked questions
What is the driest month in Nuwara Eliya?
The month with the least rainfall in Nuwara Eliya is January, when the rain falls for 18 days and typically collects 85mm (3.35") of precipitation.
How many days does it rain in Nuwara Eliya?
Throughout the year, in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, there are 297.4 rainfall days, and 2784mm (109.61") of precipitation is accumulated.
What are the months with the lowest UV index in Nuwara Eliya?
The months with the lowest UV index are January, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 5.
What is the month with the highest UV index in Nuwara Eliya?
February through September, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka.
What is the least humid month in Nuwara Eliya?
March is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 80%.
What part of the year is the hottest in Nuwara Eliya?
April is the month when Nuwara Eliya experiences its warmest temperatures, averaging a high of 27.6°C (81.7°F) and a low of 17.9°C (64.2°F).
When are the longest days in Nuwara Eliya?
With an average of 12h and 30min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka.
What month has the most sunshine in Nuwara Eliya?
June has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 10h of sunshine.
What is the rainiest month in Nuwara Eliya?
The month with the most rainfall is October, when the rain falls for 28.8 days and typically aggregates up to 656mm (25.83") of precipitation.
What is the most humid month in Nuwara Eliya?
The most humid month in Nuwara Eliya is November, with an average relative humidity of 89%.
What is the coldest month in Nuwara Eliya?
Nuwara Eliya's December weather, marked by an average high temperature of 24.3°C (75.7°F) and an average low temperature of 17°C (62.6°F), is the coldest in the year.
What is the month with the shortest days in Nuwara Eliya?
December has the shortest days of the year in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, with an average of 11h and 42min of daylight.
Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Nuwara Eliya?
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). +0530 timezone is used over the entire year.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Nuwara Eliya?
With an average of 4.6h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year.
Average temperature
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is April (27.6°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (24.3°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is May (19.1°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (15.3°C).
Average pressure
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
- Average pressure in January:
1011.7mbar - Average pressure in February:
1011.4mbar - Average pressure in March:
1010.8mbar - Average pressure in April:
1009.7mbar - Average pressure in May:
1008.4mbar - Average pressure in June:
1008.3mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1008.4mbar - Average pressure in August:
1008.7mbar - Average pressure in September:
1009.5mbar - Average pressure in October:
1009.8mbar - Average pressure in November:
1009.8mbar - Average pressure in December:
1010.4mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (1011.7mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (1008.3mbar).
Average wind speed
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
- Average wind speed in January:
5.2km/h - Average wind speed in February:
4.5km/h - Average wind speed in March:
3.5km/h - Average wind speed in April:
3.3km/h - Average wind speed in May:
6.3km/h - Average wind speed in June:
9.1km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
8.7km/h - Average wind speed in August:
8.2km/h - Average wind speed in September:
7.1km/h - Average wind speed in October:
4.7km/h - Average wind speed in November:
4.1km/h - Average wind speed in December:
5km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is June (9.1km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is April (3.3km/h).
Average humidity
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
The month with the highest relative humidity is November (89%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is March (80%).
Average rainfall
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
- Average rainfall in January:
85mm - Average rainfall in February:
158mm - Average rainfall in March:
121mm - Average rainfall in April:
273mm - Average rainfall in May:
290mm - Average rainfall in June:
112mm
- Average rainfall in July:
128mm - Average rainfall in August:
135mm - Average rainfall in September:
182mm - Average rainfall in October:
656mm - Average rainfall in November:
416mm - Average rainfall in December:
228mm
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is October (656mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (85mm).
Average rainfall days
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
- Average rainfall days in January:
18 days - Average rainfall days in February:
16.3 days - Average rainfall days in March:
20.8 days - Average rainfall days in April:
27.2 days - Average rainfall days in May:
29.8 days - Average rainfall days in June:
25.5 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
25.2 days - Average rainfall days in August:
27 days - Average rainfall days in September:
25.5 days - Average rainfall days in October:
28.8 days - Average rainfall days in November:
27.9 days - Average rainfall days in December:
25.4 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (29.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (16.3 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
- Average daylight in January:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in February:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in April:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in May:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in June:
12h and 3min
- Average daylight in July:
12h and 3min - Average daylight in August:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in October:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in November:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in December:
11h and 4min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 12h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 11h and 42min).
- Average sunshine in January:
7h and 1min - Average sunshine in February:
7h and 2min - Average sunshine in March:
7h and 5min - Average sunshine in April:
8h and 2min - Average sunshine in May:
9h and 1min - Average sunshine in June:
10h and 0min
- Average sunshine in July:
9h and 4min - Average sunshine in August:
8h and 1min - Average sunshine in September:
9h and 3min - Average sunshine in October:
7h and 0min - Average sunshine in November:
5h and 4min - Average sunshine in December:
4h and 4min
The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 10h and 0min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 4h and 36min).
Average sunshine days
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
- Average sunshine days in January:
10.8 days - Average sunshine days in February:
11 days - Average sunshine days in March:
8.5 days - Average sunshine days in April:
1.5 days - Average sunshine days in May:
0.8 days - Average sunshine days in June:
1.3 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
2 days - Average sunshine days in August:
1.8 days - Average sunshine days in September:
2.2 days - Average sunshine days in October:
1.9 days - Average sunshine days in November:
1.4 days - Average sunshine days in December:
4.5 days
The month with the most sunshine days is February (11 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is May (0.8 days).
Average UV index
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
The months with the highest UV index are February, March, April, May, June, July, August and September (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, October, November and December (UV index 5).
Average cloud cover
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
The month with the most cloud cover is November (Cloud cover 63).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and August (Cloud cover 42).
Average visibility
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
The months with the highest visibility are June, July and August (9km).
The months with the lowest visibility are November and December (6km).
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
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