January weather forecast
Sri Lanka

January is one of the more favorable months for visiting Sri Lanka due to its temperate climate. Across the island, temperatures typically range from 18.3°C (64.9°F) to 23.9°C (75°F). However, notable cities such as Nuwara Eliya, located in the central highlands at an altitude of 1900 meters, experience cooler climes with temperatures between 8.9°C (48°F) and 21.1°C (70°F).

In terms of extremes, January sits on the milder end of the spectrum, especially when compared to the sizzling heat of April and May, which are the hottest months of the year. When juxtaposed with December, January observes slightly warmer temperatures and reduced precipitation, marking it as a drier month in the progression of the year. Furthermore, the eastern coast experiences more rainfall than other regions due to the retreating monsoon, with cities like Batticaloa registering a significant 211mm (8.31") of rainfall at the beginning of the month.

Moving into February, Sri Lanka maintains its pleasant conditions, although the temperatures may marginally rise. The humidity also remains relatively low, particularly when compared to the approaching months dominated by the monsoon seasons.

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• Colombo - January »
  January and February, with an average relative humidity of 74%, are the least humid months in Colombo, Sri Lanka. In Colombo in January, the average water temperature is 27.7°C (81.9°F).
• Kandy - January »
  On the first day of January in Kandy sunrise is at 06:19 and sunset at 18:02. January weather in Kandy, Sri Lanka brings about a fresh start to the year with balanced temperatures as it is not excessively hot nor too cold.
• Galle - January »
  On the last day of January, in Galle sunrise is at 06:26 and sunset at 18:18 +0530. The months with the highest UV index in Galle are January through April, June through August, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 7.
• Jaffna - January »
  The month with the coldest seawater in Jaffna is January, with an average sea temperature of 26.8°C (80.2°F). With an average sea temperature of 26.8°C (80.2°F), January is the month with the coldest seawater in Jaffna.
• Anuradhapura - January »
  In Anuradhapura in January, during 14.5 rainfall days, 31mm (1.22") of precipitation is typically accumulated. In Anuradhapura in January, during 14.5 rainfall days, 31mm (1.22") of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Nuwara Eliya - January »
  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. 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).
• Ratnapura - January »
  The months with the lowest humidity in Ratnapura are January and February, with an average relative humidity of 80%. January through August, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka.
• Trincomalee - January »
  The month with the coldest seawater in Trincomalee is January, with an average sea temperature of 27.1°C (80.8°F). In Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, the coldest period comes during January and December, when the average high-temperature touches 29.3°C (84.7°F).
• Batticaloa - January »
  In Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, in January, during 18.7 rainfall days, 120mm (4.72") of precipitation is typically accumulated. In Batticaloa, the month of January registers the lowest temperatures, averaging 27.3°C (81.1°F) at the peak and 24°C (75.2°F) at the lowest.
• Matara - January »
  The commencement of the year in Matara, Sri Lanka sees a relative increase in rainfall, from 22mm (0.87") in the last month of the previous year to 30mm (1.18") in January. January is the month with the coldest seawater in Matara with an average sea temperature of 27.7°C (81.9°F).
• Negombo - January »
  The month with the least rainfall in Negombo is January, when the rain falls for 9.7 days and typically collects 29mm (1.14") of precipitation. The month with the least rainfall in Negombo is January, when the rain falls for 9.7 days and typically collects 29mm (1.14") of precipitation.
• Badulla - January »
  The month with the least rainfall in Badulla is January, when the rain falls for 18 days and typically collects 85mm (3.35") of precipitation. Entering January, Badulla's average high-temperature reads a still warm 25°C (77°F), indicating a close resemblance to the previous month's climate.