Colombo, Sri Lanka Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Colombo
Weather in Colombo is shaped by its tropical wet-and-dry climate - expect year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season. April afternoons typically reach 88°F (31°C), while November highs hover near 84°F (29°C). Annual precipitation averages 111.7 inches (2836 mm) over about 280 rainy days.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: April - highs near 88°F (31°C)
- Coldest month: November - highs near 84°F (29°C)
- Record high: 96°F (36°C) · Record low: 65°F (18°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: May (30 rainy days) · Sunniest: February (11.1 h sun/day)
- Climate type: tropical wet-and-dry - year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on April. Highs average 88°F (31°C) and overnight lows stay near 77°F (25°C). The coolest month is November, with typical highs of 84°F (29°C) and lows around 74°F (24°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 96°F (36°C) and dropped as low as 65°F (18°C).
Rain, sun and snow
May is usually the wettest month. It brings about 16.5 inches (418 mm) of rain over 30 days, while February is the driest. February brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.1 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 87° | 73° | 11 | 3.1 in | 10.5 h/day | 77% |
| February | 88° | 74° | 11 | 2.1 in | 11.1 h/day | 76% |
| March | 88° | 76° | 18 | 4.2 in | 10.9 h/day | 80% |
| April | 88° | 77° | 25 | 6.2 in | 10.4 h/day | 83% |
| May | 85° | 78° | 30 | 16.5 in | 8.4 h/day | 86% |
| June | 84° | 78° | 29 | 12.2 in | 9.5 h/day | 86% |
| July | 84° | 78° | 28 | 8.8 in | 9.8 h/day | 85% |
| August | 83° | 77° | 28 | 9.5 in | 9.7 h/day | 86% |
| September | 83° | 77° | 28 | 11.6 in | 8.8 h/day | 86% |
| October | 83° | 76° | 29 | 15.4 in | 8.2 h/day | 87% |
| November | 84° | 74° | 25 | 15.4 in | 7.7 h/day | 88% |
| December | 85° | 74° | 18 | 6.7 in | 9.2 h/day | 84% |
Colombo month by month
Colombo weather in January
January brings highs around 87°F (30°C), lows near 73°F (23°C), about 11 wet days.
Colombo weather in February
February brings highs around 88°F (31°C), lows near 74°F (23°C), about 11 wet days - typically the driest month and the sunniest month of the year in Colombo.
Colombo weather in March
March brings highs around 88°F (31°C), lows near 76°F (24°C), about 18 wet days.
Colombo weather in April
April brings highs around 88°F (31°C), lows near 77°F (25°C), about 25 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Colombo.
Colombo weather in May
May brings highs around 85°F (30°C), lows near 78°F (26°C), about 30 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Colombo.
Colombo weather in June
June brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 78°F (25°C), about 29 wet days.
Colombo weather in July
July brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 78°F (25°C), about 28 wet days.
Colombo weather in August
August brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 77°F (25°C), about 28 wet days.
Colombo weather in September
September brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 77°F (25°C), about 28 wet days.
Colombo weather in October
October brings highs around 83°F (29°C), lows near 76°F (24°C), about 29 wet days.
Colombo weather in November
November brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 74°F (24°C), about 25 wet days - typically the coldest month of the year in Colombo.
Colombo weather in December
December brings highs around 85°F (30°C), lows near 74°F (23°C), about 18 wet days.
Seasons in Colombo
March through May
March through May in Colombo brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 87°F (31°C) and nights around 77°F (25°C); expect showers on roughly 72 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
June through August
June through August in Colombo is hot, with daytime highs averaging 84°F (29°C) and nights around 77°F (25°C); expect showers on roughly 85 days across the season.
September through November
September through November in Colombo is hot, with daytime highs averaging 84°F (29°C) and nights around 76°F (24°C); expect showers on roughly 82 days across the season.
December through February
December through February in Colombo runs hot, with daytime highs averaging 87°F (30°C) and nights around 74°F (23°C); expect showers on roughly 40 days across the season.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Colombo?
Is Colombo hot in summer?
Is Colombo cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Colombo get in a year?
Best time to visit Colombo
The best time to visit Colombo is generally June to September and January to February, when these months combine the driest skies with the most comfortable heat. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 85°F (29°C).
Pack for Colombo with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature; moisture-wicking fabrics to cope with the humidity. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - April nights average 77°F (25°C).
Colombo temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.