Climate of Sri Lanka

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.