The climate of Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa, located in
Sri Lanka, predominantly experiences a Tropical Monsoon climate also known as 'Am' in the Köppen climate classification. The temperature presents only a slight variation over the year, staying within the warm range from 20°C (68°F) to 34.9°C (94.8°F). Observationally,
April appears to be the hottest month with a high average temperature of 34.9°C (94.8°F) and a low of 23.5°C (74.3°F). In contrast,
January and
December are relatively milder with average high temperatures of 29.3°C (84.7°F).
Regarding monthly rainfall in Polonnaruwa, there is a perceptible fluctuation, with the highest amounts noticed in
October of 214mm (8.43"),
November with 166mm (6.54"), and December at 127mm (5"). The rainiest period also aligns with more overcast skies as the cloud percentage peaks between October and December. Conversely, the driest period is from
June to
September with rainfall precipitously dropping to as low as 15mm (0.59") in June.
The information suggests that the relative humidity in Polonnaruwa is generally high, standard for a tropical environment. The city experiences a minor reduction in humidity from June to September as it falls to 67%, while it peaks at 84% in December.
The best time to visit Polonnaruwa
Factoring in multiple variables including temperature, rainfall, sunlight hours, and humidity, the most favorable time to visit
Polonnaruwa is during the months of
January to
April. During these months, average high temperatures range from 29.3°C (84.7°F) to 34.9°C (94.8°F). Even though April is the warmest amongst them, the city witnesses an impressive 10.1 hours of sunshine. Rainfall is also low in these months, ensuring that sightseeing and outdoor activities can be enjoyed without interruption.
The worst time to visit Polonnaruwa
Based on the available climatological data, the less favorable time to visit
Polonnaruwa for outdoor activities would be from
October to
December. These months not only record the highest rainfall, with October peaking at a whopping 214mm (8.43"), but also showcase the highest levels of cloud coverage and relative humidity, making it less conducive for sightseeing and outdoor pursuits.
Spring weather in Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa doesn't have a typical "spring" as in temperate regions, considering its tropical monsoon climate. However, the months of
March to
May, which correspond to spring in many regions, display an average high temperature range of 33.8°C (92.8°F) to 34.9°C (94.8°F). The average low temperatures also remain warm, ranging from 21.1°C (70°F) to 24.5°C (76.1°F). Rainfall begins to increase noticeably from 38mm (1.5") in March to 103mm (4.06") in May, possibly signaling the beginning of the monsoon season.
Summer weather in Polonnaruwa
If one would map the tropical conditions of
Polonnaruwa to the traditional summer months in temperate regions,
June to
August exhibit consistent high temperatures fluctuating marginally from 33.5°C (92.3°F) to 33.7°C (92.7°F), and lows from 24.5°C (76.1°F) to 24.8°C (76.6°F). During these months, Polonnaruwa experiences its driest period, with the lowest rainfall recorded in June of 15mm (0.59"). Daily sunshine averages around 11.2 hours with slightly increased wind speeds, reaching up to 23.8km/h (14.8mph) in June.
Autumn weather in Polonnaruwa
September to
November or "autumn months" in
Polonnaruwa are characterized by a significant increase in rainfall. While September experiences 53mm (2.09") of rainfall, it escalates to reach a record 214mm (8.43") in
October. High temperatures remain constant, oscillating between 32.7°C (90.9°F) and 33.9°C (93°F), and lower temperatures fluctuating between 23.2°C (73.8°F) and 24.1°C (75.4°F), complementing the autumnal semblance.
Winter weather in Polonnaruwa
Respectively,
December mirrors
January, with an average high temperature of 29.3°C (84.7°F) and a low of 21.4°C (70.5°F), rendering it one of the cooler periods in
Polonnaruwa. Relative humidity rises to 84% during this month while the monthly rainfall remains substantial at 127mm (5"). Despite the higher rainfall, the city still enjoys approximately 4.9 hours of sunshine daily, articulating Polonnaruwa's essence as a tropical paradise even during its winter season.
Weather in January
Weather in February
In
February, the weather in
Polonnaruwa remains within a similar spectrum as that of
January, albeit with a small increase in temperature. Slightly lower rainfall and humidity levels are present, and the change in weather conditions is primarily characterized by longer daylight hours and higher solar radiation.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Weather in April
April in
Polonnaruwa marks a transition into a much hotter phase. A peak in temperatures is observed, making it the hottest month of the year. The weather pattern takes a turn, featuring the year's highest temperatures climbing up to an average of 34.9°C (94.8°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
The rapid changes in weather continue in
May, as the city of
Polonnaruwa transitions from the blazing heat of
April to cooler and more pacifying conditions. The weather turns agreeable, although the high humidity makes the climate feel warmer than it actually is.
Weather in May »Weather in June
In
June,
Polonnaruwa welcomes dominantly dry weather. Both temperature and precipitation remain fairly low, marking a contrast to the heavier rainfall seen in
May. With an average rainfall of just 15mm (0.59") over nearly eight days, June is identified as the driest month of the year in Polonnaruwa. June's arrival in Polonnaruwa brings an average high-temperature of a still hot 33.6°C (92.5°F), slightly deviating from May's 34.2°C (93.6°F).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, like
June, boasts a relatively dry climate in
Polonnaruwa, with slightly higher rainfall. The weather trends observed are similar to those in June, with marginal fluctuations in temperature and slightly greater averages in other parameters.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Polonnaruwa remains warm and relatively dry, mirroring the climate observed in
July. The consistency in weather patterns from the previous and to the next month makes for predictability. While the temperatures are fairly consistent with those in July, an increase in rainfall marks a subtle shift towards the wetter months that follow
September. The shift to August in Polonnaruwa signals an average high-temperature of a still tropical 33.7°C (92.7°F), subtly varied from July's 33.5°C (92.3°F).
Weather in August » Weather in September
The onset of
September brings about significant changes in the weather of
Polonnaruwa. Increased rainfall, paired with stable temperatures, represents the transition into the rainy season. Significantly, the transition from a comparably dry
August with 29mm (1.14") of rain to a wetter September with an average rainfall of 53mm (2.09") indicates the official start of the rainy season. The average high-temperature during September is a still hot 33.9°C (93°F), almost matching the conditions of the preceding month.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As the last quarter of the year unfolds,
October achieves the record for the highest average rainfall in
Polonnaruwa, with precipitation peaking at 214mm (8.43"). The increased rainfall and slightly cooler temperatures offer relief from the consistent warmth of the previous months.
Weather in October »Weather in November
The weather in
November mirrors that of
October, though with a slight decrease in rainfall and a minor drop in temperature. Despite these mild changes, the heavy rainfall continues to dominate
Polonnaruwa's climate. Consistent weather patterns from October to November create a predictability that extends into early
December. With November's advent, Polonnaruwa,
Sri Lanka, sees an average high-temperature of a still hot 30.5°C (86.9°F), subtly shifted from October's 32.7°C (90.9°F).
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Polonnaruwa sees a conclusion to the heavy rainy season that characterizes the final quarter of the year. The gradual decrease in rainfall signifies a transition towards the weather conditions reminiscent of the start of the year.
Weather in December » [Resources]