The climate of Bentota
Bentota, situated in
Sri Lanka, boasts of a typical Köppen climate categorization of Af, translating to a tropical rainforest climate. Consequently, this locality experiences considerable rainfall amounts yearly, coupled with high temperatures that show very minimal fluctuations.
Majority of the months experience high temperatures ranging from 28.6°C (83.5°F) to 31.3°C (88.3°F). The hottest periods are usually between
March and
April, where temperatures can peak to 31.3°C (88.3°F). On the flip side, temperatures can drop to as low as 23.4°C (74.1°F) to 26.3°C (79.3°F) between the periods of
January and
May.
The town also registers high humidity levels, with a yearly variation from 75% to a peak of 83% between May and
August. Additionally, rainfall patterns are quite predictable, with the dry season barely existent. The wettest periods occur from May to
September, receiving rainfall amounts of 260mm (10.24") to 350mm (13.78"). The driest periods receive rainfall amounts as low as 25mm (0.98") in January to 93mm (3.66") in
December. Lastly, there's a consistent sea temperature of between 27.3°C (81.1°F) to 29.6°C (85.3°F) throughout the year, making water activities feasible all year round.
The best time to visit Bentota
The optimal time for a trip to
Bentota notably depends on the visitors' preferences. For those seeking to enjoy the sunshine, the period between
January and
April offers the most sunshine hours, ranging from 9 hours to 9.2 hours per day. This period also experiences the lowest rainfall between 25mm (0.98") to 61mm (2.4"), with the least number of rainy days, providing an excellent setting for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Understanding that some may prefer cooler conditions, the period from
July to
September presents the lowest average temperatures of 28.6°C (83.5°F) to 28.8°C (83.8°F). Although this period receives more rainfall, it offers a more soothing climate with less intense heat.
The worst time to visit Bentota
May and
June could be challenging months to visit
Bentota, mainly due to weather conditions. These months register the highest rainfall figures, going up to 350mm (13.78") in June. Coupled with high humidity at 83%, this period might hinder outdoor activities and experience.
Furthermore, the months of May and June mark the period with the least solar exposure, with sunshine hours dwindling down to 8.2 hours and 7.8 hours respectively. Consequently, days are relatively darker, which may affect the overall tourism experience.
Spring weather in Bentota
In the context of
Bentota, spring runs from
March to
May. March starts with high temperatures at 31.3°C (88.3°F), gradually decreasing to 30.2°C (86.4°F) in May. Nights during this period are warmer, with lows above 25°C (77°F).
While
April observes a significant shift, with rainfall amounts increasing from 61mm (2.4") in March to 127mm (5") in April. May marks the onset of the wet season, with peak rainfall reaching up to 303mm (11.93"). Humidity also increases during this period, hitting a yearly high of 81% in May.
Summer weather in Bentota
Summer in
Bentota extends from
June through
August. June and
July are quite similar, with high temperatures averaging 29.2°C (84.6°F) and 28.7°C (83.7°F), respectively. August sees a slight increase with highs averaging 28.6°C (83.5°F).
June and July are the wettest months, with rainfall totals of 350mm (13.78") and 260mm (10.24") respectively. August marginally sees less rainfall at 282mm (11.1"). This period also marks the highest humidity levels, with an average of 83% from June to August, making the climate feel hotter than the actual temperatures.
Autumn weather in Bentota
Autumn in
Bentota extends from
September to
November. High temperatures in this period range from 28.8°C (83.8°F) to 29.8°C (85.6°F). Night temperatures remain relatively high, with autumn lows averaging between 25.2°C (77.4°F) and 24.8°C (76.6°F).
Bentota experiences a high volume of rainfall during this period, ranging from 192mm (7.56") in
October to 133mm (5.24") in November. The humidity levels also stay high, hitting 80% in October and November. Despite these factors, the average sea temperature remains warm, varying between 27.8°C (82°F) and 28.8°C (83.8°F), suitable for watersports.
Winter weather in Bentota
Winter in
Bentota encompasses
December and
January. This period enjoys relatively mild weather with high temperatures ranging from 29.7°C (85.5°F) in December to 30.3°C (86.5°F) in January. Night temperatures during winter are marginally cooler, varying from 24.4°C (75.9°F) in December to 23.4°C (74.1°F) in January.
The town observes less rainfall during the winter months, totalling 93mm (3.66") in December and further reducing to 25mm (0.98") in January. Hence, this period is relatively dry compared to the rest of the year. It is also noteworthy that sea temperatures average 28.1°C (82.6°F) in December and shoot up to 27.9°C (82.2°F) in January, allowing for enjoyable beach-related activities.
Weather in January
January sees
Bentota,
Sri Lanka kick-start the year with temperatures slightly lower than its peak, offering a more relaxed environment for sightseeing and other outdoor activities. The climate shows a pattern of stable weather with less rainfall making it pleasant for tourists.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February's weather in
Bentota demonstrates mild changes from
January, with the city still enjoying consistent, sunny weather. The transition from January to February sees an increase in both temperature and rainfall, yet it remains lower compared to the other months.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As we enter the month of
March,
Bentota's weather starts to display signs of its upcoming rainier period. Gradual changes are evident in the climatic conditions, but it doesn't diminish Bentota's charm as a tropical paradise. With torrential rains of 61mm (2.4") that increases from the preceding month, the city becomes fresher and greener.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April introduces
Bentota to its rainiest period as the rainfall nearly doubles to reach 127mm (5") from the previous month. As a tropical country, the higher rainfall doesn't decrease Bentota's appeal as the showers are usually quickly replaced by bright, sunny weather.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Bentota's weather shifts more drastically in
May as it enters the height of the rainy season. Visitors in May should be prepared to experience the tropical monsoon that brings over twice the rainfall of
April with 303mm (11.93") received.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June carries onwards with the rainy season, featuring the year's highest rainfall of 350mm (13.78"). While the frequent showers are a dominant component of
Bentota's weather this month, the winds carry a fresh breeze, enhancing the coastal beauty of Bentota.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July perpetuates the climate trend set by
May and
June, with heavy rains and strong winds continuing. Despite the monsoon season,
Bentota continues to attract visitors with its rich biodiversity and spectacular landscapes. From higher rainfall to vibrant greenery, July showcases a different, dynamic face of Bentota, providing each visitor with a unique travel experience.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Bentota begins to transition out of the rainy season, although rainfall remains relatively high at 282mm (11.1"). August's temperature and weather conditions create an ideal background for witnessing the lush landscapes rejuvenated by the monsoon.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Bentota witnesses a considerable regression in rainfall and is a step towards more predictable and dry weather. September brings a shift in weather patterns, leading to a decrease in rainfall, creating more opportunities to indulge in outdoor activities.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks another decrease in rainfall, as
Bentota transitions out of the rainy season and into a period of drier weather. The weather conditions in October make it a peak time for tourism due to the clearer skies and warmer temperatures.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
November arrives,
Bentota embraces a more predictable warm climate. November displays a harmonious blend of comfortable temperatures, modest sunshine, and reduced rainfall. With rainfall further decreasing to 133mm (5.24"), the city finds an increased influx of tourists looking forward to exploring the city comfortably.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December brings
Bentota into its dry season, seeing a consistent decrease in rainfall and a persistent warm climate. The beginning of the year-end celebrations brings festive joy along with the comfortable weather. Ensuring a little rainfall of 93mm (3.66"), December invites tourists to experience the serene beaches and scenic views under the sunshine.
Weather in December »