Climate and monthly weather forecastSigiriya, Sri Lanka

The climate of Sigiriya

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka falls under the Af or tropical rainforest climate. Positioned near to the equator, it showcases consistent high temperatures, elevated humidity, and regular precipitation throughout the year.

Observing the parameters in detail, one notes that the annual temperatures remain relatively constant, varying slightly within the range from 20°C (68°F) up to 34.9°C (94.8°F). It is worth mentioning that the peak monthly average high is around 34.9°C (94.8°F) in April and the lowest average lows drop to 20°C (68°F) during January and February. As for rainfall, Sigiriya experiences quite a significant amount, ranging from a minimal 15mm (0.59") in June up to the highest at 214mm (8.43") in October.

The relative humidity presents itself consistently high, spanning between the lowest 67% from June to September and the peak at 84% in December. The sunlight hours vary from 4.3 hours per day in April to 16 hours per day in July, indicating a wide range in terms of daylight duration and sunshine. On the other hand, the wind speeds stay relatively stable, with the most potent gusts reaching 32.2km/h (20mph) in June and the weakest at 7.1km/h (4.4mph) in April.

Sigiriya's unique weather pattern is revealed in the distinctly drier phase in the first half of the year, followed by a wetter period from June to December.

The best time to visit Sigiriya

Given the tropical rainforest climate, it is recommendable to plan visits to Sigiriya during the relatively drier period - from January to May. During this time, visitors can enjoy warmer temperatures, lesser rainfall, and a higher number of sunshine hours. The average temperatures span from 29.3°C (84.7°F) to 34.9°C (94.8°F) during this period, providing the ideal climate for outdoor activities. The decreased rainfall during these months, particularly in June with a minimal 15mm (0.59"), denotes a lower likelihood of rain-interrupted plans.

The Worst Time to Visit Sigiriya

Contrarily, the period from October to December holds the least favorable conditions for a visit. The highest rainfall levels are reported in these months, with October reaching as high as 214mm (8.43"), and rainfall days ranging from 22.6 in October to 24.1 in November. Therefore, outdoor activities might be disrupted due to the frequent and heavy rains.

Spring Weather in Sigiriya

Sigiriya does not have the traditional four seasons due to its close proximity to the equator; however, if considering 'spring' as the first quarter of the year - January, February, and March - visitors may expect high temperatures ranging from 29.3°C (84.7°F) to 33.8°C (92.8°F). Also, these months experience relatively lower rainfalls, from 42mm (1.65") in January to 38mm (1.5") in March. The wind speed remains steady, especially during March, with an average speed of 8.7km/h (5.4mph).

Summer Weather in Sigiriya

Looking at 'summer' as the second quarter comprising of April, May, and June, one can discern a gradual rise in temperature, peaking in April up to 34.9°C (94.8°F), and then decreasing to 33.6°C (92.5°F) in June. Rainfall also increases as this period progresses, particularly noted in June, which records a rainfall of 15mm (0.59"), considerably low compared to the other months.

Autumn Weather in Sigiriya

In the 'autumn' months of July, August, and September, the climate of Sigiriya remains rather constant with temperatures fluctuating from 33.5°C (92.3°F) to 33.9°C (93°F). These months also witness a gradual increase in rainfall, up to 53mm (2.09") in September, and steady wind speeds around 22.6km/h (14mph) in July, slowly decreasing to 18.7km/h (11.6mph) in September.

Winter Weather in Sigiriya

During the 'winter' months of October, November, and December, Sigiriya experiences its heaviest rainfall with an alarming increase to 214mm (8.43") in October and 166mm (6.54") in November. The temperatures during this time drop slightly, from 32.7°C (90.9°F) in October to 29.3°C (84.7°F) in December. Wind speeds also decrease during this period, reaching 9.1km/h (5.7mph) in December.

Weather in January

January marks the start of the year in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka with temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to a summery 29.3°C (84.7°F). It may not be the ideal period for sunseekers, due to the relative humidity of 82% and increased cloud cover. Weather in January »

Weather in February

In February, there is a slight decrease in humidity at 79% and a sudden rise in temperature to 31.3°C (88.3°F). This implies that the weather becomes more agreeable for outdoor activities than the preceding month. It provides a welcoming change as there is an increase in the daily average sunlight hours. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March brings an enticing change as the weather takes a swing towards more warmth. The temperatures peak, reaching a toasty 33.8°C (92.8°F), nudging Sigiriya into the hot tropical category. The humidity drops further, and there is an improvement in visibility, making it a good time to explore the city's attractions. Weather in March »

Weather in April

At Sigiriya, April signifies the arrival of the high heat with the maximum temperature of the year soaring to 34.9°C (94.8°F). This hot temperature is paired with a substantial shift in the rainfall distribution pattern, as it leaps to 103mm (4.06") stretched over 23.6 days. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May sees a slight break in the escalating temperature trends, as the mercury levels drop to 34.2°C (93.6°F). Despite the reduce in temperature, Sigiriya experiences a hike in rainfall with an 83mm (3.27") downpour, meaning there is a chance for a bit more cloud cover. Weather in May »

Weather in June

As the middle of the year approaches, June brings a significant drop in the rainfall to 15mm (0.59"), signaling the arrival of the dry season. The average maximum temperature marginally falls to 33.6°C (92.5°F), making it slightly cooler than the previous months. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July’s weather continues with the typical dry season trend evident in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka. The rainfall almost doubles to 26mm (1.02") as compared to June, but it is far from the peak levels of the rainy season. The average high temperature faces a slight dip to 33.5°C (92.3°F), however, the city remains in the hot tropical zone. Weather in July »

Weather in August

In August, there's a nominal increase in temperature to 33.7°C (92.7°F), suggesting the persistent warm conditions. Though it's dry season, the rainfall increases again to 29mm (1.14"), spread over 11.5 days. On average, Sigiriya receives sunlight for about 12.4 hours a day during this month. Weather in August »

Weather in September

The month of September marks a turn in the weather pattern in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka. A sharp increase in the rainfall to 53mm (2.09"), almost doubling the August levels, signals the end of the dry season. Although the maximum temperature remains consistent at 33.9°C (93°F), a drop in daylight hours suggests a transition towards the end of the year. Weather in September »

Weather in October

In Sigiriya, October is a month of extensive change in weather dynamics. The most noticeable difference is an abrupt rise in rainfall hitting a yearly high of 214mm (8.43") over 22.6 days, indicating the start of the wetter season. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November brings a slight decline in the temperature range to 30.5°C (86.9°F). Even if there is a drop in the rainfall to 166mm (6.54"), the number of rainy days increase. This month offers fewer daylight hours, which combined with the cloudy weather, keeps the sunshine duration to the minimum. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Concluding the climatic tale of Sigiriya, Sri Lanka, December ends the year with a cool note. The temperatures further reduce, settling to a high of 29.3°C (84.7°F). The rainfall decreases to 127mm (5"), and the days are comfortably cooler. Weather in December »