The climate of Dehiwala
The coastal town of
Dehiwala,
Sri Lanka, nests itself under the Köppen climate classification of Af, identifying itself prominently as a Tropical Rainforest Climate. Situated in the path of constant oceanic airflow, Dehiwala's relatively high altitude at sea level invites generous levels of humidity alongside substantial amounts of rainfall all year round.
Throughout the year, temperatures remain remarkably constant, spanning from 23.3°C (73.9°F) at their minimum to 31.4°C (88.5°F) at their maximum. This minimal fluctuation in temperatures establishes a balmy and warm climate all year round. It's interesting to note that the highest temperature peaks around
April while the lowest recedes around
December and
January - a mild transition reflecting the local climatic patterns.
Relative humidity levels hover between 74% to 83% annually, leaning towards a rather moist climate due to its coastal vicinity. Rainfall patterns paint a dynamic picture, with the wettest months being
May and
June, averaging respective rainfall levels at around 312mm (12.28") and 315mm (12.4"). Precipitation generally intensifies beginning from
March, with an emphasis during the mid-year months, then gradually subsides as the year ends.
The region also showcases a fairly moderate UV Index, indicating seven throughout most of the year, except in May and
October where it slightly dips to six. Surprisingly, sunshine hours are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying mildly from six hours during
November to nine hours during January to March.
The sea temperatures contribute to comfortable oceanic activities almost year-round, maintaining a range of 27.2°C (81°F) to 29.6°C (85.3°F). The perfect time to indulge in a swim would perhaps lie between March and May when sea temperatures reach their peak.
The best time to visit Dehiwala
Given the constant warmth and balmy temperatures,
Dehiwala can indeed be considered an all-year-round location. However, if one has to identify a prime time to visit and experience the full breadth of its tropical beauty, it would be the early part of the year - specifically from
February to
April. During these months, the weather in Dehiwala is most conducive to outdoor activities, boasting optimum sea temperatures alongside the benefit of nine hours of sunshine each day.
The worst time to visit Dehiwala
Despite its consistent warmth, it is advisable to avoid
Dehiwala during the mid-year months of
May and
June. These months see the highest intensity of rainfall at 312mm (12.28") to 315mm (12.4"), leading to potentially uncomfortable outdoor conditions and restricted activity options.
Spring weather in Dehiwala
Spring in
Dehiwala, falling between
March to
May, provides a noticeably comfortable period. Despite temperatures peaking at 31.4°C (88.5°F), the presence of nine hours of sunshine and sea temperatures averaging 29.3°C (84.7°F) lends itself to an ideal spring. However, rainfall starts increasing significantly from March, potentially impacting outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Dehiwala
Despite heavy rainfall observed during
June, the season of summer shows no drastic changes in temperature. The average highest dipping slightly to 29.1°C (84.4°F) and sea temperatures reducing to around 28.2°C (82.8°F), the weather in
Dehiwala remains warm and conducive for beach activities.
Autumn weather in Dehiwala
Moving into Autumn,
September to
November sees
Dehiwala weather stabilizing from the heavily rainy period, yet maintaining all its warmth with temperature highs persisting at around 29.7°C (85.5°F). A gradual dip in rainfall is also noted, making it a relatively dry and inviting season.
Winter weather in Dehiwala
Winter in
Dehiwala, from
December to
February, is marked by a slight decrease in temperatures with the lowest reaching 24.1°C (75.4°F) in December. Despite the term 'winter,' weather conditions remain moderately warm while rainfall also lessens, making it a comparatively dry period to enjoy. The sea temperature starts picking up from its yearly lowest, making swimming a delightful activity even during this season.
Weather in January
The start of the year in
Dehiwala,
Sri Lanka, boasts mild climate with comfortable temperatures.
January's weather indicates a favourable blend of moderate warmth and pleasing humidity, making it an enjoyable month for locals and visitors alike.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The mild aura of
Dehiwala's weather continues in
February as the climate remains fairly consistent with the previous month. The city's inhabitants observe an elevation in average temperature, a subtle yet noticeable difference from
January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The onset of
March in
Dehiwala brings a shift in the city's climate, with temperatures and humidity escalating. With the setting of
February, March distinguishes itself as a warmer, more humid month, modulating the city's environment.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April here in
Dehiwala,
Sri Lanka, is marked by notably high levels of rainfall, as it is one of the peak months of the year for precipitation. Regardless of the season, the city manages to sustain its charm via its moderate to high temperatures and increased daylight hours.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The arrival of
May in
Dehiwala manifests intensified weather conditions featuring pouring rains and soaring humidity levels. The city undergoes minor variances in climate from
April, albeit with an evident increase in precipitation.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Dehiwala denotes abundant rainfall and high humidity whilst maintaining moderately warm temperatures. As compared to
May, June witnesses only slight variations in weather with a minor dip in rainfall. Having crossed the halfway mark of the year, June features the second highest rainfall measuring 315mm (12.4").
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July enters into
Dehiwala,
Sri Lanka, with an overarching reduction in daily rainfall. The city's summer climate characterizes this month with moderate warmth and high humidity. Transitioning from
June, July experiences a decrease in maximum rainfall and temperature, thus indicating a shift in weather dynamics.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Dehiwala underlines a distinct precipitation pattern while retaining the city's moderately warm temperature. The differences between
July and August aren't drastic in terms of temperature, though the city witnesses a distinct climb in rainfall levels.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As
September arrives in
Dehiwala, a distinct decrease in daily rainfall and cooler evenings commence. The weather pattern from
August carries through with minor modulations, most notably in the declined precipitation. Setting a point of interest, September records 195mm (7.68") of rainfall, an appreciable decrease from the preceding month.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Dehiwala sees the continuation of the rainfall pattern from
September, albeit with a slight increase in both day and night temperatures. The contrast in the city's climate between September and October is subtle yet discernible with slightly warmer days.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Dehiwala,
Sri Lanka, brings about changes in the city's climatic conditions with a reduction in rainfall and moderate warmth. The transition from
October to November brings about a considerable drop in precipitation yet maintains a consistently warm environment.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the end of the year in
Dehiwala with a continued decrease in rain accompanied by slightly cooler temperatures both during the day and night. The close comparison between
November and December's weather places them on a similar spectrum despite slight changes in conditions.
Weather in December » [Resources]