December weather forecast
Puttalam, Sri Lanka

December attributes a further drop in temperature compared to November, welcoming slightly cooler days in Puttalam. The ongoing contraction in daylight hours coupled with slightly higher cloud cover gives a perception of shorter days. The noticeable shrinkage in rainfall from November to 142mm (5.59") in December suggests a drier end to the year. Worthy of note is the marked increase in wind speed, up to 19.5km/h (12.1mph), making for a breezy end to the calendar year.

Temperature

Temperatures reach their minimum during January and December, recording an average high-temperature of 29.3°C (84.7°F).

Heat index

December's heat index is computed to be a torrid 36°C (96.8°F). More preventive actions are needed, risk of heat exhaustion and heat cramps is significant. Prolonged activity may trigger heatstroke.
One should consider that heat index numbers are for shaded settings and light wind. The heat index might be elevated by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees due to direct sun exposure.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'apparent temperature' or 'real feel', is achieved by amalgamating air temperature with the relative humidity readings. The experience of temperature can be subjective, varying based on the individual's activity and heat perception, influenced by factors like wind, attire, and metabolic variations. Under direct sun rays, the felt temperature might be heightened, with the heat index increasing by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values are highly important for children. Young individuals are typically more threatened than adults due to their reduced perspiration. Also, the larger skin surface proportionate to their small bodies and the increased heat from their activities magnify their risk.
Evaporation of sweat is the main factor behind the cooling effect of perspiration in the human body. Higher relative humidity impedes evaporation, thus reducing heat dispersion from the body, culminating in a sensation of overheating. Accumulating more heat than the body can dissipate leads to an uptick in body temperature, with potential heat stress consequences.

Humidity

The most humid month in Puttalam is December, with an average relative humidity of 80%.

Rainfall

In December, the rain falls for 20.7 days. Throughout December, 142mm (5.59") of precipitation is accumulated. In Puttalam, during the entire year, the rain falls for 221.7 days and collects up to 1071mm (42.17") of precipitation.

Daylight

With an average of 11h and 42min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 06:09 and sunset at 17:50. On the last day of December, sunrise is at 06:23 and sunset at 18:03 +0530.

Sunshine

In December, the average sunshine in Puttalam, Sri Lanka, is 6.2h.

UV index

The months with the highest UV index in Puttalam are January through December, with an average maximum UV index of 7. January through December, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the lowest UV index. A UV Index of 6 to 7 symbolizes a high health vulnerability from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for average individuals.
Note: In December, the maximum UV index of 7 suggests these recommendations:
Deter overexposure. Protecting against the sun's effects is essential. Attempt to stay under shade and limit exposure to the Sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation is at its peak. Remember, devices such as parasols or canopies might not provide complete sun protection. Counter UV radiation's ill effects with clothing designed for sun safety and UV-resistant eyewear.