The climate of Kuliyapitiya
Kuliyapitiya is classified under the Köppen climate classification as Af, also known as the Tropical Rainforest climate. This classification signifies a predominance of rain throughout most of the year. Its geographical position in
Sri Lanka contributes to the consistent tropical climate experienced in this region.
Throughout the year, Kuliyapitiya maintains high temperatures, with the average monthly high varying from 29.2°C (84.6°F) to 32.1°C (89.8°F). The lowest average temperatures also stay warm, fluctuating from 22.8°C (73°F) to 26.4°C (79.5°F) in a months span. The humidity remains relatively high, reaching up to 82% in the middle of the year, and lowers slightly to 73% at the beginning and end of the year. This level of humidity, combined with the warm temperatures, creates a moist and sweltering environment.
The rainfall levels stay substantial all year round. The highest rainfall occurs in the month of
June with 231mm (9.09"), while the lowest is recorded in
January with 29mm (1.14"). The number of rainfall days briefly peaks from June to
August, with over 27 days of rainfall each month. In contrast, January has the lowest count with approximately 10 days of rainfall.
The daylight and sunshine hours gradually increase from January to June, from 11.7 hours to 12.6 hours, and then decrease again towards the end of the year. The sunniest month, January, boasts 9.2 hours of sunshine on average, and the least sun occurs during the month of
May with 6.6 hours. Wind speeds remain moderately high, averaging from 9.1km/h (5.7mph) in
March to 18.3km/h (11.4mph) in June.
The best time to visit Kuliyapitiya
Prospective visitors to
Kuliyapitiya might find the period from
December to
March most appealing. During these months, the town experiences a decrease in rainfall, with
January having the lowest average of 29mm (1.14") across just about 10 days. This drop coincides with an increase in sunshine hours, making it the most suitable period to explore the town and engage in outdoor activities without a significant chance of rain disruption. Additionally, these months have lower humidity levels compared to the rest of the year, creating a more comfortable experience outdoors.
The worst time to visit Kuliyapitiya
The rainy season peaks between
May and
August, making it the least desirable time for tourism.
June and
July hold the highest rainfall, with an average of over 200mm (7.87"). The rain falls over 27 days of the month on average, which might lead to disruption of outdoor activities. Also, this period receives the highest humidity levels, reaching 82%, leading to a heavy and muggy environment which might not be suitable for sightseeing or outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Kuliyapitiya
The Spring season in
Kuliyapitiya occurs from
March to
May. During this period, the daily high temperatures range from 32°C (89.6°F) to 30.8°C (87.4°F), and the low temperatures fluctuate from 24.5°C (76.1°F) to 26.4°C (79.5°F). Rainfall increases significantly between March to May, jumping from an average of 55mm (2.17") in March to 204mm (8.03") in May. The number of rainfall days also rises to 26.3 days in this period, with an increase of sunshine from 9.2 hours in March to 8.8 hours in May.
Summer weather in Kuliyapitiya
June to
August marks the summer period in
Kuliyapitiya. The temperatures remain consistently high, with average highs fluctuating between 29.2°C (84.6°F) and 29.6°C (85.3°F), and the lows between 25.4°C (77.7°F) and 25.9°C (78.6°F). These months witness the highest rainfall levels with an average of 231mm (9.09") in June and 210mm (8.27") in August. Moreover, the number of rainfall days peak at 28.4 days in August.
Autumn weather in Kuliyapitiya
Autumn in
Kuliyapitiya spans from
September to
November. The temperatures decrease slightly in this period, with the high temperatures reducing from 29.5°C (85.1°F) to 30.2°C (86.4°F) and the low temperatures dropping from 25.2°C (77.4°F) to 24.5°C (76.1°F). The rainfall continues to stay high with a maximum in September at 153mm (6.02"), and a decline in November to 174mm (6.85"). Despite the high rainfall, the number of rainfall days decrease to 23.3 days in November.
Winter weather in Kuliyapitiya
December to
February constitutes winter in
Kuliyapitiya. During this period, the high temperatures hover around 29.9°C (85.8°F) to 30.8°C (87.4°F), and the low temperatures vary between 22.8°C (73°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F). Rainfall declines substantially during winter, with the lowest average of 29mm (1.14") in
January. The number of rainfall days also drop considerably with just about 10 days in January. This time is accompanied by an increase in sunshine to 9.2 hours in February, making winter an accommodating season for outdoor activities.
Weather in January
The year in
Kuliyapitiya,
Sri Lanka kicks off with a relatively comfortable weather condition.
January showcases a moderate amount of rainfall compared to the high numbers to be experienced in the coming months. The month outdoes its predecessor and the succeeding one with a delightful average sunshine duration of 9.2 hours.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Kuliyapitiya is characterized by a relatively lower average wind speed of 12.9km/h (8mph) as compared to
January and
March. However, it maintains the trend set by January’s pleasing conditions. The temperatures during this month continue to be mild, thus ideal for outdoor activities.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March weather in
Kuliyapitiya stands out due to its considerable increase in relative humidity, rising to 75% from
February's 73%. This shift indicates the onset of the wet season. Aside from the humidity, the temperature remains fairly constant, continuing the trend of the earlier months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings with it a significant increase in the rainfall in
Kuliyapitiya, from 55mm (2.17") in
March to 112mm (4.41"). This inclement weather, although reducing the number of sunshine hours, does not contribute to a drastic drop in temperature or daylight hours.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May is characterized by the highest rainfall of the year, recording 204mm (8.03"). Despite the torrential downpour, the temperature remains warm, maintaining the tropical climate experienced throughout the year. The lush rain-washed environment and the slightly overcast skies create a captivating atmosphere.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June carries forward the wet condition from
May but reigns it in slightly to a still considerable 231mm (9.09") of rainfall. The temperatures are slightly lower than those in May, but the difference is insignificant to warrant any major alterations in one’s itinerary.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues the downward trend in rainfall that begins in
June, exhibiting 177mm (6.97") in precipitation from June’s 231mm (9.09"). However, the reduction in rainfall is hardly noticeable due to the high humidity remaining consistent.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Kuliyapitiya sees a slight rise in rainfall up to 210mm (8.27"), contrary to the preceding downward trend. However, the extended 12.4 hours of daylight makes the day longer. Meanwhile, the temperatures remain relatively constant, as is typical with many months in this region.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The weather in
September witnesses a significant decrease in rainfall to 153mm (6.02"), bringing a decline in the intensity of the monsoon season. As the heavy rains recede, the flora around
Kuliyapitiya begins to flourish, beautifying the landscapes.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in a surprising rise in rainfall, seeing a jump to 224mm (8.82") from
September's 153mm (6.02"). Even so, there are affirming signs of the receding monsoon as the temperature, daylight hours, and relative humidity remain largely constant.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November experiences a significant decline in rainfall with 174mm (6.85"), compared to
October's 224mm (8.82"). A noticeable drop in sunshine hours further heralds the imminent end of the year. The temperatures hold fairly constant, retaining the year-round tropical warmth.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the definitive end of the monsoon with a significant drop in rainfall to 139mm (5.47") from
November's 174mm (6.85"). While the daylight span remains fairly constant, sunshine hours see a pleasant increase. The temperatures maintain the tropical climate, while a slight decline in humidity shows an overall improvement in weather conditions.
Weather in December » [Resources]