October weather forecast
Sri Lanka

October in Sri Lanka serves as a precursor to the northeast monsoon, bringing about noticeable changes in weather patterns, especially in the northern and eastern parts of the island. Average temperatures in this transitional month span from 20°C (68°F) to 27°C (80.6°F). The central highlands, including towns like Nuwara Eliya, present a cooler climate, displaying temperatures from 11°C (51.8°F) to 21.5°C (70.7°F).

While much of the southwestern regions and the Central Highlands enjoy relatively dry conditions, the northern and eastern areas start registering increasing rainfall. The commencement of the northeast monsoon becomes evident as the month progresses, with intermittent showers gradually becoming more frequent.

Places such as Batticaloa on the eastern coast start to witness a shift from the predominantly sunny conditions of the preceding months to cloudier skies and heightened precipitation levels. The rain, often accompanied by gusty winds, makes the sea rougher, signaling caution for marine activities.

Contrastingly, the southwestern coast remains suitable for beach visits, even though occasional showers can't be ruled out. As October concludes and November approaches, the northeastern parts of Sri Lanka brace for the full-blown effects of the northeast monsoon, ushering in the final major rainy phase of the year.

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• Colombo - October »
  Colombo marks the start of October with an average high-temperature of a tropical 30°C (86°F), hinting at a slight fluctuation from September's 29.1°C (84.4°F). As October sets into Colombo, the declining rainfall trend continues to 237mm (9.33"), with slightly less cloud cover compared to September.
• Kandy - October »
  The month with the most rainfall in Kandy is October, when the rain falls for 27.4 days and typically aggregates up to 301mm (11.85") of precipitation. Entering October, Kandy welcomes the second major rainfall of the year, shaping the city's weather by bringing about a considerable increase in precipitation from September to October.
• Galle - October »
  In Galle in October, during 26.3 rainfall days, 194mm (7.64") of precipitation is typically accumulated. In Galle, during October, the rain falls for 26.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 194mm (7.64") of precipitation.
• Jaffna - October »
  The month with the most rainfall in Jaffna is October, when the rain falls for 22.6 days and typically aggregates up to 191mm (7.52") of precipitation. The weather in October registers the highest rainfall in Jaffna, with a whopping 191mm (7.52") precipitation.
• Anuradhapura - October »
  The month with the most rainfall in Anuradhapura is October, when the rain falls for 23.1 days and typically aggregates up to 205mm (8.07") of precipitation. On the first day of October in Anuradhapura sunrise is at 05:56 and sunset at 17:59.
• Nuwara Eliya - October »
  The month with the most rainfall in Nuwara Eliya is October, when the rain falls for 28.8 days and typically aggregates up to 656mm (25.83") of precipitation. In Nuwara Eliya in October, it is raining for 28.8 days, with typically 656mm (25.83") of accumulated precipitation.
• Ratnapura - October »
  On the first day of October in Ratnapura sunrise is at 05:56 and sunset at 17:59. In October, in Ratnapura the rain falls for 28.5 days.
• Trincomalee - October »
  In Trincomalee, in October, during 22.6 rainfall days, 214mm (8.43") of precipitation is typically accumulated. In October, the average heat index, which combines relative humidity and air temperature, is estimated at 45°C (113°F).
• Batticaloa - October »
  On the first day of October in Batticaloa, sunrise is at 05:51 and sunset at 17:54. On the first day of October in Batticaloa, sunrise is at 05:51 and sunset at 17:54.
• Matara - October »
  September's transformation into October witnesses an average high-temperature of a still moderately hot 29.6°C (85.3°F) in Matara, noting a minor change from the preceding month. On the first day of October in Matara sunrise is at 05:55 and sunset at 17:59.
• Negombo - October »
  On the first day of October in Negombo sunrise is at 05:58 and sunset at 18:01. In Negombo in October, it is raining for 25.9 days, with typically 224mm (8.82") of accumulated precipitation.
• Badulla - October »
  The month with the most rainfall in Badulla is October, when the rain falls for 28.8 days and typically aggregates up to 656mm (25.83") of precipitation. In Badulla, Sri Lanka, during October, the rain falls for 28.8 days and regularly aggregates up to 656mm (25.83") of precipitation.