The climate of Matale
Matale,
Sri Lanka, situated in the tropics, enjoys a dominant Tropical rainforest climate, as classified by the Köppen climate system with an Af rating. This denotes a high concentration of monthly rainfall and stable, warm temperatures without a dry season throughout the year.
In Matale, the temperatures hover between a monthly average minimum of 18.9°C (66°F) and peak at a high average of 32.9°C (91.2°F), making the town a year-round warm climate. Unlike temperate zones, temperature variations are comparatively minor across the year with the warmest tendencies in
March,
April, and
May. Humidity is also a permanent feature in Matale, differing slightly through shifting seasons, witnessing the highest relative humidity percentages in the months of
November and
December at 82% and 83% respectively.
Substantial rainfall is a constant in the climate dynamics of Matale. Rainfall measurements show marked variations, ranging from 29mm (1.14") to as high as 267mm (10.51") in
October. The number of rain days also fluctuates from 11.8 days to a maximum of 24.7 days aligning with the change in rainfall volume. A visible pattern indicates two major peaks in the monsoon season, one in April and the other in October and November making these months the wettest.
The best time to visit Matale
For those preferring a relatively dry and sunny experience, the best time to visit
Matale would be between
January and
March when the rainfall is relatively lower, between 34mm (1.34") and 54mm (2.13"). Additionally, these months have longer daylight hours averaging 12 hours, with
February enjoying the longest at 12.1 hours.
The average daily sunshine hours also tend to be consistently high from January to March. These months boast an average UV index of 6 to 7 which implies moderate exposure level. This, along with the average visibility stretching up to 9-10 km, makes these months ideal for outdoor explorations.
The worst time to visit Matale
Considering the climate dynamics, the months of
October and
November could be rated as unfavorable for a visit. These months witness heavy rainfall with precipitation levels reaching as high as 267mm (10.51") and 201mm (7.91") respectively. Correspondingly, the number of rain days peaks, escalating to an average of 23.9 days during November.
This dampness also induces higher cloud percentages, reaching 46% towards the last two months of the year, which could limit the visibility, and hence, the enjoyment of scenic views. Moreover, these months record the shortest durations of daily sunshine, between 6.7 hours to 5.7 hours, reducing outdoor activity opportunities.
Spring weather in Matale
Spring in
Matale extends from
March to
May. During this season, the average monthly temperatures sway between 19.9°C (67.8°F) to 23°C (73.4°F) on the cooler side and scale up to 32.8°C (91°F) to 31.8°C (89.2°F) at their peak. However, the average rainfall shoots up to 120mm (4.72") in
April, calling for preparedness for sudden showers.
The daylight duration ranges from 12.1 hours in March to 12.6 hours in May, ensuring maximum sunlight exposure. The spring season also witnesses a UV index hovering around 7, indicating a need for sun protection measures during outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Matale
Summer, falling between
June and
August, continues the warm trend in
Matale with temperatures fluctuating between 22.8°C (73°F) and 22.3°C (72.1°F) as low averages and peaking from 31°C (87.8°F) to 30.8°C (87.4°F). June sees a sharp decline in rainfall down to 29mm (1.14"), marking it as the driest month. The daylight hours remain steady at 12.5 to 12.4 hours ensuring longer sunlit days.
The summer season in Matale records high wind speeds, with an average of 16.5km/h (10.3mph) to 14.2km/h (8.8mph), with gusts reaching up to 22.3km/h (13.9mph) to 19.4km/h (12.1mph). Despite this breeze, the UV index remains at 7, indicating a high level of solar radiation.
Autumn weather in Matale
Autumn in
Matale, from
September to
November, brings a gradual increase in rainfall from 72mm (2.83") to 201mm (7.91"). Temperatures generally level from a low of 22.3°C (72.1°F) to 21°C (69.8°F), and high averages oscillate between 31.2°C (88.2°F) and 29.6°C (85.3°F). Visibility during this period reduces slightly, with average measurements decreasing from 10 km to 8 km due to increased precipitation.
The daylight hours marginally reduce from 12 to 11.8 hours, with sunshine hours also reducing from 10.5 to 6.7 hours. Despite the decrease in sunlight exposure, the UV index remains steady at 6, indicating a moderate level of sun intensity.
Winter weather in Matale
Winter arrives in
Matale in
December with temperatures ranging from 20.4°C (68.7°F) as the low average and elevating up to 28.6°C (83.5°F) at the high end. Rainfall also begins tapering off from the previous highs, recording 113mm (4.45") in December and thereby reducing the number of rain days to 20.9.
Even as daylight hours remain constant at 11.7 hours, the daily sunshine duration decreases further to 5.7 hours, the shortest throughout the year. Meanwhile, the wind speed drops to an average of 7.8km/h (4.8mph) with gusts reaching up to 11.4km/h (7.1mph). The UV index dips to 6, maintaining a moderate level of solar exposure.
Weather in January
As the new year begins,
Matale,
Sri Lanka experiences a tropical climate, characterized by high humidity levels of 79%, relatively average temperatures, and rainfall. A shift towards a slightly cooler and drier trend is observable in comparison to the end of the year in
December.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February precipitates a marked reduction in rainfall in
Matale compared to
January, accompanied by a decrease in humidity levels. With a noticeable increase in daylight hours, the dry and sunny periods last longer, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March witnesses the real onset of the dry season in
Matale with a significant drop in the amount of monthly rainfall from 54mm (2.13") in
February to 54mm (2.13"). An extension of the dry weather from the preceding month, March is distinguished by longer days and slightly warmer temperatures.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks an extreme shift in
Matale’s climate, characterized by the most substantial rainfall amounting to 120mm (4.72"), signaling the onset of the wettest period. Coinciding with increasing temperatures, the high volumes of rain escalate the humidity level from the previous month.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The month of
May stands as a continuation of
April’s weather pattern in
Matale with heavy precipitation, but a noticeable decrease to 117mm (4.61"). This month is marked by the onset of monsoon, characterized by high humidity, and a slight rise in temperature.
Weather in May »Weather in June
In
June, despite the decline in rainfall to 29mm (1.14"), the weather conditions in
Matale are dominated by the ongoing monsoon, accompanied by high wind speed peaking at 16.5km/h (10.3mph). A gradual decrease in temperature and a slight drop in humidity sets the stage for a slightly more comfortable outing.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July's weather in
Matale is distinguished by a steady rise in rainfall to 58mm (2.28"), although falling far short of the earlier monsoon levels. The wind gusts intensify, reaching the year’s maximum of 21.1km/h (13.1mph). The temperature maintains a steady course, offering a consistent climate for exploration and outdoor activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Matale leans towards a blend of
July's and
September's weather patterns. There is a moderate decline in rainfall counts to 46mm (1.81"), a breather after the monsoon months. The wind velocities retreat from the peak levels seen in the previous month, creating relatively calmer conditions.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signals the approach of the second wave of monsoon with rainfall increasing up to 72mm (2.83") in
Matale. The temperature sees no significant changes, maintaining a warm yet comfortable ambiance. The daylight hours and sunshine hours slowly taper off, signifying shorter days ahead.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks a peak in the annual rainfall with a sharp increase to 267mm (10.51"), commencing the second monsoon season in
Matale. The number of cloudy days increases, indicating overcast skies and higher precipitation. Simultaneously, the UV index falls to its lowest yearly level, marking the onset of a colder climate.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November,
Matale experiences a significant reduction of rainfall to 201mm (7.91"), leading to a relative respite from
October's copious downpours. The slowly declining temperatures give a hint of the approaching cooler months.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Matale brings a further decrease in rainfall to 113mm (4.45"), along with a continual drop in temperatures, indicating the onset of the coolest part of the year. A substantial increase in humidity to 83% suggests an increased moisture content in the air.
Weather in December » [Resources]