Basic
Climatic Pattern: Tropical
Average Temperature: 27 degree C
Coolest Month: January
Hottest Month: May
Most parts of the country fall under the tropical zone with an average
temperature of 27 degree C. But the upland areas are comparatively
cooler and more temperate with temperature going down to 16 degree C at
an altitude of 2000 metres in the central highlands. Here tourists are
advised to carry light woolen sweaters, shawls or jackets, for there is
a sudden fall of temperature in the evenings. The sea breezes provide a
cooling effect to the coastal areas.
A typical Sri Lankan day can be described as- bright, sunny and warm.
Climatically, Sri Lanka has no off season. The south west monsoon brings
rain mainly from May to July to the western, southern and central
regions of the island, while the north-east monsoon rains occur in the
northern and eastern regions in December and January.
Humidity
Humidity is higher in the southwest and mountainous areas and depends
on the seasonal patterns of rainfall. For instance, at Colombo, daytime
humidity stays above 70 percent all round the year, even rising to
almost 90 percent during the monsoon season in June. Similarly,
Anuradhapura experiences a daytime low of 60 percent during the
intermonsoonal month of March, but a high of 79 percent during the later
monsoon period in November and December.
Tourists’ Delight
From sea level to 7000-foot high national parks, the country has varied
geographical and climatic zones. The constantly changing patterns of the
countryside is very appealing to the tourists.
