The climate of Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa, situated in
Sri Lanka, falls under the Af or Tropical Rainforest climate according to Köppen climate classification. The geographical location of Hikkaduwa contributes deeply to its tropical climate with high humidity and abundant rainfall throughout the year.
On avergage, monthly temperature in Hikkaduwa ranges from 24°C (75.2°F) to 30.3°C (86.5°F), displaying consistency across the year with the highest temperatures observed in
March and
April at 30.3°C (86.5°F) and lowest in
December at 28.9°C (84°F). Even nighttime temperatures do not fall below a balmy 24°C (75.2°F), creating a consistently warm tropical environment.
The distinctive attribute of Hikkaduwa's climate is its high rainfall. Rainfall shoots up from 50mm (1.97") in
February to a striking 302mm (11.89") in
May, marking it as the wettest month, after which it slowly decreases towards the end of the year. The days of rainfall echo this pattern with May, having the most days of rainfall at 27.7 days, and February having the least at 16.3 days.
The relative humidity stays relatively high, between 77% in February and March, and 82% in
September. Meanwhile, wind speed tends to increase from a normal 8km/h (5mph) in February to a notable 20.2km/h (12.6mph) in
June before reducing again towards the end of the year.
The best time to visit Hikkaduwa
For individuals looking to bask in the sun, the best time to visit
Hikkaduwa would be from
November to
February. This period provides higher sunshine hours ranging between 7 and 9 hours, fewer days of rainfall, and lower amounts of precipitation. Moreover, the sea temperature during this time remains invitingly warm between 28.2°C (82.8°F) and 28.8°C (83.8°F).
The worst time to visit Hikkaduwa
May should be avoided by travelers wanting to escape rain as this month records the highest rainfall, 302mm (11.89"), and number of rainy days, 27.7 days. Moreover, this coincides with the least number of sunshine days, making outdoor activities less enjoyable.
Spring weather in Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa's springtime, from
March to
May, receives a considerable increase in rainfall from 68mm (2.68") in March to 302mm (11.89") in May. The temperature remains high, peaking at 30.3°C (86.5°F) during March and
April. A notable increase in wind speed is observed during this period, reaching up to 16.3km/h (10.1mph) in May.
Summer weather in Hikkaduwa
The summer, from
June to
August, brings noticeably heavy winds with the speed going up to 20.2km/h (12.6mph) in June and lingering around 19.5km/h (12.1mph) by August. However, despite less sunlight and high rainfall ranging from 250mm (9.84") to 235mm (9.25"), the sea remains pleasantly warm, between 27.5°C (81.5°F) and 28.3°C (82.9°F), for those wanting to indulge in water activities.
Autumn weather in Hikkaduwa
Temperatures during the autumn months of
September to
November remain stable between 28.3°C (82.9°F) to 29.2°C (84.6°F) with a steady decrease in wind speed from 17.3km/h (10.7mph) to 9.8km/h (6.1mph). Rainfall decreases progressively from 222mm (8.74") in September to 179mm (7.05") in November.
Winter weather in Hikkaduwa
Winter in
Hikkaduwa, from
December to
February, is marked by comfortable temperatures ranging from 28.8°C (83.8°F) to 29.7°C (85.5°F) and diminished rainfall. Wind speed is at the lower end of the scale, between 9.4km/h (5.8mph) to 8km/h (5mph), while the sea temperature provides warmth with a range of 27.8°C (82°F) to 28.4°C (83.1°F).
Weather in January
January is the gateway to
Hikkaduwa's renowned tropical climate, featuring temperatures frequently reaching noteworthy highs of 29.2°C (84.6°F). The city greeted the new year with a blend of hot temperatures accompanied by a gentle breeze, making it an ideal period for windsurfers.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February offers the continuation of the warm climate trend established by
January, with temperatures rising slightly to a high of 29.7°C (85.5°F). This month is marked by slightly increased wind speed, tempering the warmth of the days, which draws kite-flyers and surfers alike.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March strides forward with increasing temperatures, reaching a summery high of 30.3°C (86.5°F). Unfurling into the peak of the hot season, it also exhibits a rise in winds, providing some respite from the increasing heat. March sees increased activity from water enthusiasts, as the sea temperature peaks.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Uniformly maintaining the peak heat of
March,
April stands out with the maximum recorded rainfall, reaching a significant 134mm (5.28"). This peak in rain marks the beginning of the monsoon season, accompanied by cooler winds. Despite the increase in rainfall, the sea remains invitingly warm, and the days pleasantly long.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May shifts the weather narrative with the highest precipitation level in the year, reaching a lofty 302mm (11.89"). As the monsoon grips
Hikkaduwa, the city witnesses an increased cloud cover that cushions the heat. Notwithstanding the rains, the sea remains impressively warm, reflecting the island's tropical identity.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings slightly cooler temperatures, although it sustains a 250mm (9.84") volume of rainfall. Winds reach a yearly high during this month, adding a mild chill to the rain-soaked landscape. With cloud cover persisting and rainfall concentrated,
Hikkaduwa's vibrant streets glisten in sharp contrast.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July provides a slight respite from the monsoon rains, with a decline in rainfall to 188mm (7.4"), and a stable high temperature of 28.7°C (83.7°F). Despite this dip, rain showers continue to puncture the otherwise long, sunny days.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August echoes
July's climate sentiment, albeit with an uptick in precipitation to 235mm (9.25"). As the rainfall gently subsides, the skies gradually clear, unraveling the gleaming blue canopy. The temperatures slightly dip, yet the sea continues to mirror the ambient warmth.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September stands as the transition month, as the rainfall slightly dips to 222mm (8.74") and temperatures remain stable. As the monsoon weakens,
Hikkaduwa starts featuring longer sunlit hours, hinting at the impending dry season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October steals a march towards the drier weather with a noticeable drop in rainfall to 194mm (7.64"). The month brings a slight reduction in wind speed, subtly affecting the otherwise brisk weather. Despite the gradual onset of the dry season, the sea remains comfortably warm.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November sees drier weather, with rainfall dipping further to 179mm (7.05"), setting the stage for the onset of peak tourist season. The humidity levels remain steady, providing a pleasant atmosphere for sightseeing. With Kilometers of clear visibility, the vistas of
Hikkaduwa sparkle under radiant sunshine.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December further dials down the rainfall to 114mm (4.49"), extending the tourist-friendly climates ushered in by
November. Unfurling into the mild winters, December holds consistent temperatures, while the humidity takes a slight edge off.
Weather in December »