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Contents
- The climate of Anuradhapura
- The best time to visit Anuradhapura
- The worst time to visit Anuradhapura
- Spring weather in Anuradhapura
- Summer weather in Anuradhapura
- Autumn weather in Anuradhapura
- Winter weather in Anuradhapura
- 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 Anuradhapura
Located within the tropical climatic zone, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka denotes a marked presence of a tropical wet and dry climate, also known as savanna under the Köppen climate classification. The ‘summer’ dry season is a distinguishing characteristic of this climatic type. Amid the year, the climate here varies nominally, with temperatures ranging from 20.5°C (68.9°F) to 34.3°C (93.7°F).
A marked feature of this city's climate is the consistency in temperature levels across the twelve months. The lowest average temperatures recorded range from 20.5°C (68.9°F) to 25.4°C (77.7°F), while at its warmest, the temperatures oscillate between 29.5°C (85.1°F) to 34.3°C (93.7°F). Interestingly, the thermal gap remains relatively steady, showing just a modest variation.
Relative humidity in Anuradhapura also demonstrates a steady pattern, fluctuating moderately from 71% to 84%. Monthly rainfall, in terms of both volume and frequency, demonstrates a more dynamic range. Going by the statistics, the rainfall varies from 20mm (0.79") to 205mm (8.07") and the number of rainfall days shifts between 10.4 to 25.5.
Wind speeds exhibit a substantial range from 9.9km/h (6.2mph) to 27.4km/h (17mph), with maximal gusts hitting between 15km/h (9.3mph) to 37.4km/h (23.2mph). A key climatic element is the sunshine hours that sees a variation from 5.1 to 10.2 hours, hinting at the presence of longer days from April to September.
A marked feature of this city's climate is the consistency in temperature levels across the twelve months. The lowest average temperatures recorded range from 20.5°C (68.9°F) to 25.4°C (77.7°F), while at its warmest, the temperatures oscillate between 29.5°C (85.1°F) to 34.3°C (93.7°F). Interestingly, the thermal gap remains relatively steady, showing just a modest variation.
Relative humidity in Anuradhapura also demonstrates a steady pattern, fluctuating moderately from 71% to 84%. Monthly rainfall, in terms of both volume and frequency, demonstrates a more dynamic range. Going by the statistics, the rainfall varies from 20mm (0.79") to 205mm (8.07") and the number of rainfall days shifts between 10.4 to 25.5.
Wind speeds exhibit a substantial range from 9.9km/h (6.2mph) to 27.4km/h (17mph), with maximal gusts hitting between 15km/h (9.3mph) to 37.4km/h (23.2mph). A key climatic element is the sunshine hours that sees a variation from 5.1 to 10.2 hours, hinting at the presence of longer days from April to September.
The best time to visit Anuradhapura
Taking into account climatological parameters, it is more advantageous to visit Anuradhapura from January to March. During this period, the temperature varies from 20.5°C (68.9°F) to 31.8°C (89.2°F) while relative humidity lingers around 72% to 81%, offering a comfortable climate for tourist activities. Notably, rainfall is on the lower side, with an average quantity of 34mm (1.34") in February. Visitors can relish approximately 8 to 9 hours of sunshine, enabling ample time for sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Anuradhapura
Visiting Anuradhapura can be challenging during October and November due to the harsh weather conditions. With the highest recorded rainfall from 162mm (6.38") to 205mm (8.07") and the number of precipitation days soaring to 23.1 to 25.5, these months often pose difficulties for outdoor activities. Also, the lower sunshine hours, 5.9 in November are a drawback for those intending to explore the city.
Spring weather in Anuradhapura
Spring, spanning from March to June, witnesses a rise in temperature, making it an excellent time for sun lovers. The thermometer swings from 22°C (71.6°F) to 34.3°C (93.7°F), accompanied with flux in the relative humidity from 72% to 76%. While April records considerable rainfall of 104mm (4.09"), the frequency of showers stands at 24.2 days in the same month.
Summer weather in Anuradhapura
In Anuradhapura, the summer months from June to August showcase some of the highest temperatures of the year, from 25.1°C (77.2°F) to 33°C (91.4°F). These months experience relative humidity revolving around 71% to 72%. In terms of rainfall, the city records a lower range of 20mm (0.79") to 31mm (1.22"), while the sunshine hours remain around 9.9 to 10.2, ideal for those who appreciate warm conditions.
Autumn weather in Anuradhapura
The autumn season, courting September to November, pushes up the volume and frequency of rainfall, with averages soaring to 57mm (2.24") to 205mm (8.07") and 14 to 25.5 days respectively. With temperature showcasing a narrower range from 23.9°C (75°F) to 32.6°C (90.7°F) and a reduced daylight of around 7.9 hours in November, autumn gives off a distinctly cooler vibe than the summer months.
Winter weather in Anuradhapura
Winter in Anuradhapura spans from December to February, offering a pleasant climate for outdoor endeavors. The temperatures fluctuate between 20.5°C (68.9°F) to 31.8°C (89.2°F) and the relative humidity holds around 77% to 84%. December is characterized by a substantial 107mm (4.21") rainfall, dropping to 34mm (1.34") by February, with the number of rainfall days also lessening over the same period. Notably, the length of sunshine days plunges to its lowest during winter, reaching 5.1 hours in December.
Weather in January
January unveils Anuradhapura’s weather as generally humid and warm, a typical facet of its tropical climate. Trails of rainfall can be observed intermittently throughout the month, culminating in an accumulation of 31mm (1.22"). Weather in January »
Weather in February
The month of February in Anuradhapura escalates in warmth, carrying forth the trend established in January. The sweltering tropical climate slowly starts to assert its prominence with heat levels soaring higher. Rainfall does not deviate drastically from what January witnessed, with only a slight uptick to 34mm (1.34"). Weather in February »
Weather in March
March marks a distinct heightening in relative humidity and temperature in Anuradhapura. Rainfall increases significantly to a total of 43mm (1.69") compared to the previous month making distinct the transition from the drier months. Weather in March »
Weather in April
Elevated temperatures in Anuradhapura become truly noticeable in April, reaching a zenith in this month. April brings about a substantial shift in weather patterns, with rainfall escalating drastically to 104mm (4.09"), more than double the rain experienced in the month of March. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May continues the warming trend in Anuradhapura, bearing the heat peak from April. Despite the hot tropical climate, May sees a slight decline in temperature. The high rainfall that characterized April starts falling once again, settling at 74mm (2.91") in May. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June in Anuradhapura is mildly pleasant compared to the preceding months, with a decline in both temperature and rainfall. The rainfall levels recede to 20mm (0.79"), marking the beginning of a relatively drier phase. The month brings a noticeable respite from the previously raging tropical heat, with the temperature settling. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July arrives with a pattern similar to June’s in Anuradhapura maintaining the pleasantness of the summer. Even though the temperatures remain high, the readings are pretty consistent throughout the month. Rainfall sees a slight increase to 25mm (0.98"), subtly hinting towards the south-west monsoon that this region of Sri Lanka experiences. Weather in July »
Weather in August
The climatic narrative of August in Anuradhapura holds a consistency with its preceding months, mirroring their respective patterns. Whereas rainfall seen in August outweighs July’s by a small margin to 31mm (1.22"), the temperature remains invariably hot and humid. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September witnesses the tropical climate of Anuradhapura gearing up for the approaching monsoon. Rainfall takes a sizeable leap with the total reaching 57mm (2.24"), presaging the monsoon season. Despite the rains, the city continues to experience sweltering heat laced with soaring digits of humidity. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings a shift in Anuradhapura’s weather with the month bringing downpours of 205mm (8.07") of rain, the highest all year. The month heralds the onset of monsoon, synonymous with heavy, frequent showers across the city. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November ushers in cooler conditions as Anuradhapura inches closer towards the end of the year. Rainfall begins to drain away, dropping down to 162mm (6.38"), a significant decrease from October. The tropical climate of the city eases off somewhat as the cooler winds of November set in. Weather in November »
Weather in December
December brings slight relief from the heat in Anuradhapura with the city wrapped in a slightly cooler climate. Despite being cooler than November, temperatures remain typically warm in keeping with the tropical climate. Rainfall subsides further to 107mm (4.21"), signaling the end of the monsoon season. Weather in December »
[Resources]Frequently asked questions
How many days does it rain in Anuradhapura?
Throughout the year, in Anuradhapura, there are 199.1 rainfall days, and 893mm (35.16") of precipitation is accumulated.
What are the months with the lowest UV index in Anuradhapura?
The months with the lowest UV index in Anuradhapura are January, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 6.
What are the months with the highest UV index in Anuradhapura?
February through September, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index.
What is the warmest month in Anuradhapura?
Anuradhapura experiences peak temperatures, averaging a high-temperature of 34.3°C (93.7°F) during March and April.
What are the months with the most sunshine in Anuradhapura?
The months with the most sunshine are May and July, with an average of 10.2h of sunshine.
What is the driest month in Anuradhapura?
June is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 10.8 days and accumulates 20mm (0.79") of precipitation.
When are the longest days in Anuradhapura?
With an average of 12h and 36min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
What are the least humid months in Anuradhapura?
July through September, with an average relative humidity of 71%, are the least humid months in Anuradhapura.
What is the wettest month in Anuradhapura?
October is the month with the most rainfall in Anuradhapura. Rain falls for 23.1 days and accumulates 205mm (8.07") of precipitation.
What are the coldest months in Anuradhapura?
Anuradhapura's coldest month, December, generally records average temperatures ranging from a high of 29.5°C (85.1°F) to a low of 21.7°C (71.1°F).
What is the most humid month in Anuradhapura?
The most humid month is December, with an average relative humidity of 84%.
What is the month with the shortest days in Anuradhapura?
With an average of 11h and 36min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Anuradhapura?
Anuradhapura, 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 Anuradhapura?
With an average of 5.1h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
Average temperature
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are March and April (34.3°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (29.5°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is June (25.4°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (20.5°C).
Average pressure
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
- Average pressure in January:
1012mbar - Average pressure in February:
1011.6mbar - Average pressure in March:
1010.7mbar - Average pressure in April:
1009.2mbar - Average pressure in May:
1007.5mbar - Average pressure in June:
1007.2mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1007.3mbar - Average pressure in August:
1007.7mbar - Average pressure in September:
1008.6mbar - Average pressure in October:
1009.3mbar - Average pressure in November:
1009.8mbar - Average pressure in December:
1010.6mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (1012mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (1007.2mbar).
Average wind speed
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
- Average wind speed in January:
13.8km/h - Average wind speed in February:
13.8km/h - Average wind speed in March:
11km/h - Average wind speed in April:
9.9km/h - Average wind speed in May:
20.4km/h - Average wind speed in June:
27.4km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
25.7km/h - Average wind speed in August:
24.5km/h - Average wind speed in September:
23.1km/h - Average wind speed in October:
14.3km/h - Average wind speed in November:
10.7km/h - Average wind speed in December:
12.9km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is June (27.4km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is April (9.9km/h).
Average humidity
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
The month with the highest relative humidity is December (84%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are July, August and September (71%).
Average rainfall
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is October (205mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is June (20mm).
Average rainfall days
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
- Average rainfall days in January:
14.5 days - Average rainfall days in February:
11.8 days - Average rainfall days in March:
13.9 days - Average rainfall days in April:
24.2 days - Average rainfall days in May:
16.4 days - Average rainfall days in June:
10.8 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
10.4 days - Average rainfall days in August:
12.1 days - Average rainfall days in September:
14 days - Average rainfall days in October:
23.1 days - Average rainfall days in November:
25.5 days - Average rainfall days in December:
22.4 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is November (25.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is July (10.4 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
- Average daylight in January:
11h and 4min - 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 3min - Average daylight in June:
12h and 4min
- Average daylight in July:
12h and 4min - Average daylight in August:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in November:
11h and 4min - Average daylight in December:
11h and 4min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 12h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 11h and 36min).
- Average sunshine in January:
7h and 5min - Average sunshine in February:
8h and 2min - Average sunshine in March:
9h and 0min - Average sunshine in April:
9h and 4min - Average sunshine in May:
10h and 1min - Average sunshine in June:
9h and 5min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 1min - Average sunshine in August:
8h and 3min - Average sunshine in September:
9h and 4min - Average sunshine in October:
7h and 5min - Average sunshine in November:
5h and 5min - Average sunshine in December:
5h and 1min
The months with the most sunshine are May and July (Average sunshine: 10h and 12min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 6min).
Average sunshine days
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
- Average sunshine days in January:
14.5 days - Average sunshine days in February:
14.2 days - Average sunshine days in March:
14.8 days - Average sunshine days in April:
4.2 days - Average sunshine days in May:
11.9 days - Average sunshine days in June:
14.8 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
18.3 days - Average sunshine days in August:
15.9 days - Average sunshine days in September:
12.5 days - Average sunshine days in October:
5.9 days - Average sunshine days in November:
3.2 days - Average sunshine days in December:
6.5 days
The month with the most sunshine days is July (18.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is November (3.2 days).
Average UV index
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
The months with the highest UV index are February, March, April, May, June, July, August and September (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, October, November and December (UV index 6).
Average cloud cover
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
The month with the most cloud cover is December (Cloud cover 52).
The month with the least cloud cover is March (Cloud cover 26).
Average visibility
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
The months with the highest visibility are May, June, July, August and September (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, November and December (8km).
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
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