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Contents
- The climate of Colombo
- The best time to visit Colombo
- The worst time to visit Colombo
- Spring weather in Colombo
- Summer weather in Colombo
- Autumn weather in Colombo
- Winter weather in Colombo
- 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 sea temperature
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
Statues on the Seema Malaka Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka, overlooking the Beira Lake
The climate of Colombo
Finding itself in the warm embrace of a tropical rainforest climate, Colombo, the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka is subject to the Köppen climate classification 'Af'. It retains a fixed seasonal temperature ranging from 23.1°C (73.6°F) to 31.8°C (89.2°F).
Throughout the year it experiences high relative humidity from 74% to 83%, with an annual average rainfall piling up to more than 2,0mm (0"). Noticeably, rainfall fluctuates significantly, counting from 40mm (1.57") in February to a staggering 341mm (13.43") in June. The city is bathed in daylight for about 11.7 to 12.5 hours per day, regardless of the season. Interestingly, sunshine duration varies significantly, with peak hours recorded in January (9.1 hours) and the least in November (6.7 hours).
Colombo's high rainfall totals clearly reflect the typical patterns of a tropical rainforest climate, where neither a pronounced dry spell nor a regularly dry season is experienced. Instead, the city seems to be always wet, with over 20 rainfall days in most months. The months June through August receive the most rainfall, whereas the highest temperatures tend to occur from March to May.
Throughout the year it experiences high relative humidity from 74% to 83%, with an annual average rainfall piling up to more than 2,0mm (0"). Noticeably, rainfall fluctuates significantly, counting from 40mm (1.57") in February to a staggering 341mm (13.43") in June. The city is bathed in daylight for about 11.7 to 12.5 hours per day, regardless of the season. Interestingly, sunshine duration varies significantly, with peak hours recorded in January (9.1 hours) and the least in November (6.7 hours).
Colombo's high rainfall totals clearly reflect the typical patterns of a tropical rainforest climate, where neither a pronounced dry spell nor a regularly dry season is experienced. Instead, the city seems to be always wet, with over 20 rainfall days in most months. The months June through August receive the most rainfall, whereas the highest temperatures tend to occur from March to May.
The best time to visit Colombo
Balancing various climatological parameters to pinpoint the ideal time for a visit, it could be suggested that the months of January and February offer the most favorable conditions. During these months, the city experiences some of the lowest rainfall with values of 40mm (1.57") and 47mm (1.85") respectively. Additionally, they hold the promise of long sunshine hours, around 9 hours daily, providing ample time to explore the city's offerings.
The worst time to visit Colombo
On the flip side, the period from June through August presents a challenging time to visit Colombo. During this period, rainfall amount escalates, reaching its peak of 341mm (13.43") in June. In these months, the chance of encountering a rainfall day is almost a certainty, ranging between 85% to 97%. The reduced visibility, due to increased cloud cover, and the higher wind speed in these months also contribute to making travel during this period more challenging.
Spring weather in Colombo
Transitioning from late winter into spring, Colombo greets March with highest annual temperature of 31.8°C (89.2°F) and observes the lowest rainfall of the season. By May, while the temperature dips slightly to 30.6°C (87.1°F), the rainfall amount more than quadruples from March's figure to 306mm (12.05"). Nevertheless, during spring, Colombo provides consistent daylight hours, hovering around 12.3 to 12.4 hours. The sea is at its warmest with 29.6°C (85.3°F) in April, ideal for water-related activities.
Summer weather in Colombo
June, July, and August collectively present the heart of monsoon, where Colombo receives its heaviest rainfall within the year, surging from 256mm (10.08") to 341mm (13.43"). Despite this, the temperature maintains a steady rhythm, dangling between 28.9°C (84°F) and 29.3°C (84.7°F). High humidity levels are also prevalent, clocking in at 83%. Colombo experiences around 7 hours of sunshine during the summer, the lowest values for the year.
Autumn weather in Colombo
Autumn arrives with a slight reprieve from the bountiful rains of summer, with a gradual decline in rainfall amounts from 287mm (11.3") in September to 191mm (7.52") in November. Meanwhile, daily temperatures fluctuate slightly, from 30°C (86°F) in September to 30.1°C (86.2°F) in November; the humidity level gently reclines from 83% in September to 79% in November. During autumn, sea temperatures remain constant at around 28°C (82.4°F), ideal for swimming and surfing.
Winter weather in Colombo
Winter in Colombo is far from what might be imagined in colder climates. It marks the beginning of the dry season, with the least annual rainfall of 40mm (1.57") in January and an amenable range of temperature from 29.9°C (85.8°F) to 30.8°C (87.4°F). Humidity drops to its lowest annual level of 74% in January. The length of daylight is the shortest, teetering between 11.7 and 11.9 hours daily. Sea temperatures also experience a slight dip, fluctuating between 27.2°C (81°F) to 27.7°C (81.9°F).
Weather in January
January in Colombo, Sri Lanka, provides a mixture of both pleasant and challenging climatic conditions. Temperature highs peak at 30.8°C (87.4°F) during the daytime, with a slight cooling at nights to about 23.1°C (73.6°F). Weather in January »
Weather in February
In contrast to January, February in Colombo brings a marked increase in rainfall to 47mm (1.85"), although daylight hours increase slightly to 11.9 hours a day. The temperatures remain relatively stable, slightly increasing from January temperatures. Weather in February »
Weather in March
As spring approaches, March in Colombo witnesses escalating temperature highs and lows, along with increasing daylight hours to 12.1 a day. A significant uptick in the amount of rainfall to 66mm (2.6") means more wet days in this month. Weather in March »
Weather in April
In April, Colombo experiences the first major surge of rainfall in the year, shooting up to 137mm (5.39") over 25.4 days. This increase coincides with the highest temperature peaks of 31.8°C (89.2°F), resulting in particularly humid and hot conditions. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May ushers in the wettest period in Colombo, with a staggering rainfall increase to 306mm (12.05"). The increase in cloud cover to 54% combined with a slight decrease in daylight hours could trigger a visually darker environment. Although the temperature during the day slightly decreases, evening temperatures continue to rise, resulting in very warm nights. Weather in May »
Weather in June
The month of June sees rainfall levels stay above average, as 341mm (13.43") precipitation is recorded throughout the month in Colombo. Outdoor activities can still be enjoyed with over 12.5 hours of daylight, the highest for the year. Weather in June »
Weather in July
By July, the weather in Colombo starts to shift, with rainfall quantity reducing to 256mm (10.08"). Despite this decrease, the city keeps its high levels of humidity at 83%. As daytime temperatures maintain their stability around 28.9°C (84°F), evening temperatures begin to cool slightly. Weather in July »
Weather in August
In August, Colombo sees another increase in rainfall to 287mm (11.3"), although temperature conditions remain relatively stable. With humidity remaining at a constant 83%, conditions continue to feel damp and heavy. Wind conditions persist, showing little change from July, ideal for relaxed outings in the park. Weather in August »
Weather in September
The transition to a drier season begins in September, as rainfall decreases significantly to 206mm (8.11"). The decrease in cloud cover allows for increased visibility, making it a suitable month for sightseeing. The daylight hours, although gradually decreasing, remain adequate for daytime activities. Weather in September »
Weather in October
As October sets into Colombo, the declining rainfall trend continues to 237mm (9.33"), with slightly less cloud cover compared to September. Meanwhile, daily temperatures show a small increase, offering warmer conditions. Opportunities for exploring the city increase with daylight hours still around 12, creating extended periods of sunlight. Weather in October »
Weather in November
In November, the drying trend reaches its peak with a significant drop in rainfall to 191mm (7.52"), creating a noticeably less humid environment. Temperatures cool just slightly, providing a hint of the cooler season to come. Weather in November »
Weather in December
Closing the year, December in Colombo features the most significant decrease in rainfall to 148mm (5.83"). The relative humidity matches November levels, keeping the moisture in the air fairly consistent. The wind picks up just slightly, providing a comfortable, gentle breeze. Weather in December »
[Resources]Frequently asked questions
What is the least humid month in Colombo?
The months with the lowest humidity in Colombo are January and February, with an average relative humidity of 74%.
What is the driest month in Colombo?
January is the month with the least rainfall in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Rain falls for 11.6 days and accumulates 40mm (1.57") of precipitation.
How many days does it rain in Colombo?
In Colombo, Sri Lanka, during the entire year, the rain falls for 289.4 days and collects up to 2262mm (89.06") of precipitation.
What month has the most sunshine in Colombo?
The month with the most sunshine is January, with an average of 9.1h of sunshine.
What are the months with the highest UV index in Colombo?
January through April, July, September, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index in Colombo.
What time of the year is the hottest in Colombo?
The warmest period in Colombo is usually observed in March and April, with the average high-temperature peaking at 31.8°C (89.2°F).
What month is the sea warmest in Colombo?
With an average sea temperature of 29.6°C (85.3°F), April is the month with the warmest seawater.
What are the months with the lowest UV index in Colombo?
May, June, August and October, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the lowest UV index.
What is the most humid month in Colombo?
June through August, with an average relative humidity of 83%, are most humid months.
What is the rainiest month in Colombo?
June is the month with the most rainfall in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Rain falls for 29.3 days and accumulates 341mm (13.43") of precipitation.
When are the longest days in Colombo?
The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 12h and 30min of daylight.
What are the coldest months in Colombo?
Colombo witnesses its lowest temperatures in July and August, reaching an average of 28.9°C (84°F).
What month is the sea coldest in Colombo?
The month with the coldest seawater in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is August, with an average sea temperature of 27.2°C (81°F).
What is the month with the least sunshine in Colombo?
With an average of 6.7h of sunshine, November has the least sunshine of the year in Colombo.
What is the month with the shortest days in Colombo?
December has the shortest days of the year in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with an average of 11h and 42min of daylight.
Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Colombo?
Colombo, Sri Lanka, does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). +0530 timezone is used over the entire year.
Average temperature
Colombo, Sri Lanka
The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are March and April (31.8°C).
The months with the lowest average high temperature are July and August (28.9°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is May (26.3°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (23.1°C).
Average pressure
Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Average pressure in January:
1011.6mbar - Average pressure in February:
1011.3mbar - Average pressure in March:
1010.7mbar - Average pressure in April:
1009.7mbar - Average pressure in May:
1008.6mbar - Average pressure in June:
1008.7mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1008.7mbar - Average pressure in August:
1009.1mbar - Average pressure in September:
1009.8mbar - Average pressure in October:
1009.9mbar - Average pressure in November:
1009.8mbar - Average pressure in December:
1010.4mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (1011.6mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is May (1008.6mbar).
Average wind speed
Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Average wind speed in January:
12.8km/h - Average wind speed in February:
9.9km/h - Average wind speed in March:
8km/h - Average wind speed in April:
8.6km/h - Average wind speed in May:
12.9km/h - Average wind speed in June:
15.1km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
14.1km/h - Average wind speed in August:
14.2km/h - Average wind speed in September:
13.2km/h - Average wind speed in October:
10.2km/h - Average wind speed in November:
8.9km/h - Average wind speed in December:
11.5km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is June (15.1km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is March (8km/h).
Average humidity
Colombo, Sri Lanka
The months with the highest relative humidity are June, July and August (83%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are January and February (74%).
Average rainfall
Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Average rainfall in January:
40mm - Average rainfall in February:
47mm - Average rainfall in March:
66mm - Average rainfall in April:
137mm - Average rainfall in May:
306mm - Average rainfall in June:
341mm
- Average rainfall in July:
256mm - Average rainfall in August:
287mm - Average rainfall in September:
206mm - Average rainfall in October:
237mm - Average rainfall in November:
191mm - Average rainfall in December:
148mm
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (341mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (40mm).
Average rainfall days
Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Average rainfall days in January:
11.6 days - Average rainfall days in February:
13.8 days - Average rainfall days in March:
19.8 days - Average rainfall days in April:
25.4 days - Average rainfall days in May:
28.8 days - Average rainfall days in June:
29.3 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
29.8 days - Average rainfall days in August:
30.2 days - Average rainfall days in September:
26.9 days - Average rainfall days in October:
27 days - Average rainfall days in November:
25.7 days - Average rainfall days in December:
21.1 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (30.2 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (11.6 days).
Average sea temperature
Colombo, Sri Lanka
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is April (29.6°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is August (27.2°C).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Colombo, 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:
9h and 1min - Average sunshine in February:
9h and 0min - Average sunshine in March:
9h and 0min - Average sunshine in April:
8h and 5min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 4min - Average sunshine in June:
8h and 0min
- Average sunshine in July:
7h and 4min - Average sunshine in August:
7h and 0min - Average sunshine in September:
7h and 2min - Average sunshine in October:
7h and 4min - Average sunshine in November:
6h and 4min - Average sunshine in December:
6h and 5min
The month with the most sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 9h and 6min).
The month with the least sunshine is November (Average sunshine: 6h and 42min).
Average sunshine days
Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Average sunshine days in January:
17.2 days - Average sunshine days in February:
12.7 days - Average sunshine days in March:
8.2 days - Average sunshine days in April:
2.6 days - Average sunshine days in May:
1.3 days - Average sunshine days in June:
0.3 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
0.4 days - Average sunshine days in August:
0.3 days - Average sunshine days in September:
1.5 days - Average sunshine days in October:
1.7 days - Average sunshine days in November:
3.6 days - Average sunshine days in December:
8.3 days
The month with the most sunshine days is January (17.2 days).
The months with the least sunshine days are June and August (0.3 days).
Average UV index
Colombo, Sri Lanka
The months with the highest UV index are January, February, March, April, July, September, November and December (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are May, June, August and October (UV index 6).
Average cloud cover
Colombo, Sri Lanka
The month with the most cloud cover is June (Cloud cover 57).
The month with the least cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 24).
Average visibility
Colombo, Sri Lanka
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April and December (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are May, June, July, August, September, October and November (9km).
Colombo, Sri Lanka
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