The climate of Gampaha
Gampaha,
Sri Lanka, nestled in the tropical zone of the globe, experiences what is identified as an Af - Tropical Rainforest climate under the Köppen climate classification. This climatic phenomenon is characterized by high temperatures throughout the year, along with a consistency in humidity and significant rainfall.
Taking a closer look at the climatic parameters, the temperatures sit comfortably from 22.8°C (73°F) to 32.1°C (89.8°F). These figures suggest a relatively warm tropical climate, with minor fluctuations, promoting an unmistakable sense of heat year-round. This high heat is maintained through the year and is accompanied by relative humidity ranging from 73% to 82%.
Tropical rainforest climates are renowned for their rainfall. Gampaha is no exception, with a clear pattern of precipitation increasing from 29mm (1.14") in
January to a peak of 231mm (9.09") in
June, before falling back to 139mm (5.47") by
December. There's also the frequency of these rainy days to take into consideration. Starting at 9.7 days in January, the town sees a steady increase to as many as 28.4 days in
August.
Additionally, cloud cover in Gampaha fluctuates from a low 21% to a high of 57% throughout the year - greater in the middle months around June and reducing towards the year's end.
The best time to visit Gampaha
Considering the climatic conditions, the best time to visit
Gampaha would arguably be during the months of
January and
February. During these months, the temperatures stay at a reasonably comfortable range from 28.6°C (83.5°F) and to 32°C (89.6°F). Additionally, rainfall is relatively low compared to the rest of the year, coming in at 29mm (1.14") to 36mm (1.42") on average. Visitors, during this time, can expect around 11.8hrs to 11.9hrs of daylight and enjoy up to 9.2hrs of sunshine on a clear day.
The worst time to visit Gampaha
On the flip side, the months from
May to
September can be a challenging time for visitors. These months experience the heaviest rainfall, peaking at 231mm (9.09") in
June. Additionally, humidity levels rise to 80% to 82% - a potentially uncomfortable scenario for those unused to tropical humidity. Gradually diminishing daylight hours and a significant cloud cover coupled with a noteworthy decrease in sunshine hours make these months less conducive to outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Gampaha
Typically, "spring" weather in
Gampaha, which falls in
March and
April, breaks away from the traditional notions of mild and dry conditions. These months see a blend of high temperatures lingering around 32°C (89.6°F). Rainfall dramatically increases from 55mm (2.17") in March to 112mm (4.41") in April, which is a significant upturn when compared to preceding months. Despite these rainfall figures, visitors can still expect around 12.1hrs to 12.3hrs of daylight with the relative humidity hovering at 77%.
Summer weather in Gampaha
The "summer" period in
Gampaha, identified as
May through
August, is characterized by high temperatures fluctuating between 29.2°C (84.6°F) to 30.8°C (87.4°F). This period witnesses the highest rainfall of the year, peaking at 231mm (9.09") in
June. Humidity during these months is also at its highest, hovering between 80% to 82%. Despite the increased cloud cover, daylight remains fairly consistent in these months, staying in the 12.3hrs to 12.5hrs range.
Autumn weather in Gampaha
The "autumn" season, running from
September to
November, continues to uphold the warm tropical climate trend. Temperatures dip slightly, ranging from 29.9°C (85.8°F) to 29.5°C (85.1°F) and rainfall remains above 153mm (6.02"), indicating a sustained pattern of wet climate. Yet, relative humidity decreases somewhat, oscillating between 79% and 81%. Daylight hours also fall marginally to around 12hrs towards November.
Winter weather in Gampaha
The "winter" months of
December to
February maintain a warm climate, contrary to the conventional chill of winters. Temperatures hold between 29.9°C (85.8°F) and 30.8°C (87.4°F). The rainfall takes a significant dip during this period, falling to as low as 29mm (1.14") in
January and a high of 36mm (1.42") in February, making it the driest part of the year. Alongside declining rainfall and humidity of 73%, there is a slight decrease in daylight hours from 11.8hrs to 11.7hrs.
Weather in January
Gampaha,City, begins the year with a moderate climate. The temperatures are mild and the city starts experiencing more rainfall. A notable characteristic of
January is its relative humidity of 73% which, combined with an average rainfall of 29mm (1.14"), contributes to a moist, cool atmosphere.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The weather in
Gampaha,
Sri Lanka in
February transitions from the cooler
January. Temperatures stay slight with an almost negligible alteration, as rainfall starts to pick up. An increase in rainfall to 36mm (1.42") over 10.2 days suggests the commencement of the wet period.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The weather in
Gampaha makes a significant leap in
March. There is an escalation in rainfall, reaching 55mm (2.17") over 18.2 days, indicative of the impending monsoon season. Despite this, the temperatures are still reasonably warm, whilst the hours of sunshine show a minor increase.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April witnesses a further escalation in weather intensity in
Gampaha. The rainfall doubles to a hefty 112mm (4.41"), making this month one of the wettest of the year. The atmosphere tends to be heavier with an increase in relative humidity to 77%.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks the advent of the monsoon season in full force in
Gampaha,
Sri Lanka. Rainfall hits a high of 204mm (8.03"), falling over 26.3 days in this month. The increase in rainfall accompanied by a slight drop in temperature signifies this transition.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June,
Gampaha is in the grip of a full-blown monsoon. A minor increase in maximum and minimum temperatures compensates for the heightened rainfall, which peaks at 231mm (9.09"). Thick cloud coverage becomes more prominent, and the relative humidity surges to 82%, heightening the sensation of a wet, tropical climate.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As
July picks up in
Gampaha, there's a minor reduction in rainfall to 177mm (6.97"), but the weather remains dominated by the monsoon season. The drop in rainfall comes with a reduction in temperature, introducing a slight chill in the air.
Weather in July »Weather in August
In
Gampaha,
August brings in a marginal surge in rainfall to 210mm (8.27"), prolonging the monsoon season. The cloud percentage scales up to 54%, forming a thick cover that further limits sunshine. Nevertheless, the daylight remains adequate for daily activities.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September witnesses the start of a transition period in
Gampaha. While the rainfall drops to 153mm (6.02"), the wind strength sees a decrease, reflecting the pending end of the monsoon season. Cloud coverage remains relatively high, even as the number of sunlight hours starts picking up.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The weather in
Gampaha in
October reflects further transition. The rainfall inches up to 224mm (8.82") amid the receding monsoon. Despite the high rainfall, daylight and sunshine hours increase, indicating a gradual return to warmer days.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Gampaha marks a significant shift in weather patterns. The city experiences reduced rainfall down to 174mm (6.85"), indicating a break from the heavy monsoons. Increased sunshine and daylight hours connote the onset of a drier season.
Weather in November » Weather in December
As the year ends in
Gampaha, the weather takes on a decidedly drier tone. Rainfall decreases further to 139mm (5.47"), indicating the arrival of the dry spell. Daylight hours marginally decrease while winds pick up pace once more, with maximum wind speed increasing up to 15km/h (9.3mph).
Weather in December » [Resources]