Colombo, Sri Lanka’s bustling capital, features a tropical monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. The city experiences two main rainy seasons and a brief dry period, with little variation in temperature. Abundant sunshine, lush greenery, and dramatic monsoons make Colombo a vibrant destination for culture, beaches, and urban exploration.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Colombo’s climate is tropical, hot, and humid throughout the year, with average daytime highs ranging from 30°C to 32°C and nighttime lows between 22°C and 25°C. Temperature fluctuations are minimal, so there’s little distinction between seasons based on heat alone. The city’s weather is shaped by two monsoon systems: the southwest monsoon (May–September) and the northeast monsoon (October–January). The southwest monsoon brings heavy afternoon and evening showers, especially in May and June, while the northeast monsoon causes frequent, sometimes torrential, rain in October and November. January and February are the driest months, with rainfall dropping to 58–72 mm, making this period especially popular for visitors seeking sunny, stable weather.
Colombo receives abundant rainfall – up to 2,500 mm annually – with May, October, and November each typically seeing over 350 mm. Rain often falls in short, intense bursts, followed by sunshine. Humidity is persistently high, averaging 75–90%, and sea breezes provide some relief along the coast. Sunshine averages 7–9 hours per day, peaking in March and remaining strong even during wetter periods. The sea is warm year-round (27–30°C), perfect for swimming and water sports. Winds are generally light to moderate but can be gusty during storms or cyclones, which are rare but possible, especially in November and December. Days are about 12 hours long, with sunrise around 6:00 and sunset near 18:15.
| Average climate data for Colombo, Sri Lanka | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 31 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 32 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 23 | 23 | 24 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 23 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 40 | 47 | 67 | 136 | 304 | 338 | 254 | 288 | 204 | 234 | 188 | 149 | 2,249 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 12 | 14 | 20 | 25 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 21 | 290 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 74 | 75 | 77 | 77 | 82 | 83 | 83 | 84 | 81 | 81 | 80 | 78 | 80 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 12 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 28 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 28 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 25 | 26 | 30 | 40 | 54 | 56 | 53 | 57 | 55 | 49 | 43 | 38 | 44 |
| Average UV index | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
The best time to visit Colombo is from January to March, when the weather is warm (30–32°C), mostly dry, and sunny. These months offer comfortable humidity, minimal rainfall, and ideal conditions for exploring the city, enjoying the beaches, and participating in festivals and outdoor events.
The least favourable time is from October to November, when Colombo is at its wettest and most humid. Torrential rains, frequent thunderstorms, and occasional flooding can disrupt travel plans and limit outdoor activities, though the city’s greenery is at its most lush.
Colombo has a tropical monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures (30–32°C) and high humidity year-round. Rain falls heavily during the monsoon seasons, but sunshine is abundant even in wetter months.
The best time to visit Colombo is from January to March, when the weather is warm, dry, and sunny. These months are ideal for sightseeing, festivals, and enjoying the city’s beaches and outdoor attractions.
Yes, Colombo receives up to 2,500 mm of rain annually, with the heaviest rainfall in May, October, and November. Rain usually falls in short, intense bursts, followed by sunshine.
Colombo is humid year-round, with average humidity between 75% and 90%. Humidity peaks during the monsoon seasons, but sea breezes help provide some relief along the coast.
Yes, the sea temperature stays warm (27–30°C) all year, making swimming and water sports possible in any season. However, exercise caution during storms and monsoon periods.
Cyclones are rare in Colombo but can occur, mainly in November and December. Most storms bring heavy rain and gusty winds, but severe cyclones are infrequent.
Pack light, breathable clothing, sun protection, and a compact umbrella or rain jacket. Waterproof bags are useful during the monsoon. Always bring swimwear and sandals for the beach.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is April (31.8 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is July (28.9 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 30.2 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is May (26.3 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (23.2 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 24.8 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is April (29.5 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is July (27.2 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 28.3 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is June (338 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is January (39.9 mm). Over the whole year there are 2,249.4 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is August (30.3 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is January (11.7 days). Over the whole year there are 289.8 days of rain on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is August (84 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is January (74.4 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 79.5 %.
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is June (15.2 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is March (8.1 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 11.6 km/h.
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is August (57.1 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is January (25.1 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 43.9 %.
The months with the longest days, so the most daylight, are June and July (Average daylight: 12 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 11.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.7 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is February (Average sunshine: 9.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is December (Average sunshine: 6.2 h). Over the whole year there are 7.7 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are January, February, March, April, July, September, November and December (UV index: 7). The months with the lowest average UV index are May, June, August and October (UV index: 6). Over the whole year the average UV index is 6.7.
