Weather in Colombo

Planning your day in Colombo? Check out the freshest weather data, forecasts, and useful charts right here to make your stay in the capital of Sri Lanka as comfortable as possible.

Colombo, located in Sri Lanka, is characterized by a tropical climate. The weather here remains warm and humid throughout the year, with average temperatures fluctuating within a narrow range of 26.7°C to 28.4°C. Even minimum nighttime temperatures rarely drop below 23°C, while daytime highs usually hover around 29-31°C, creating a sensation of constant summer.

In Colombo, there are two distinct seasons defined by rainfall rather than significant temperature fluctuations. The relatively drier period falls in January and February, when the number of rainy days and total rainfall volume are minimal. From March to May and from October to November, two peaks of monsoon rains occur, bringing significant precipitation and a high number of rainy days. The months from April to October can be considered the rainy season, when rainfall occurs frequently, although it may alternate with sunny spells.

Despite the presence of wet seasons, the air temperature in Colombo remains consistently high year-round. This means that even during the rainy months, it is warm here. Tourists should expect high humidity almost constantly, which is an integral part of the tropical climate of this region.

In Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, a typical tropical climate prevails, characterized by consistently high temperatures throughout the year. The average annual temperature varies slightly, remaining in a comfortable range from 26.7°C to 28.4°C. The hottest months are usually March and April, when the average temperature reaches 28.4°C and 28.3°C respectively. During this period, daytime highs can rise to 31.5°C - 31.6°C, especially in February and March. The "coolest" months, if one can use that term for the tropics, are considered to be from August to December, when the average temperature holds at around 26.7°C - 26.9°C.

Since Colombo is located close to the equator, there are no clearly defined summer and winter seasons in the traditional sense. Instead, the weather remains warm and humid year-round. In the so-called "summer" months, from February to May, the daytime heat is often felt more intensely due to high humidity, especially leading up to and during the monsoon periods. Nights also remain warm, with average minimum temperatures rarely dropping below 23.6°C (in January) and most often sitting at 24-25°C. Even in the "winter" months, from August to December, the weather remains very warm, with daytime temperatures comfortable for beach holidays and walks.

Temperature fluctuations between day and night in Colombo are generally moderate. The greatest difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows is observed at the beginning of the year, especially in January and February, when it can be around 6-7°C (for example, in February from 24.3°C at night to 31.6°C during the day). In the period from May to September, which often coincides with the wetter seasons, diurnal temperature fluctuations are typically smaller – around 3.5-4°C. This means that evenings and nights throughout most of the year remain warm and balmy, creating ideal conditions for evening strolls.

In Colombo, there is a distinct seasonality in the distribution of rainfall throughout the year. The city's climate is characterized by alternating relatively dry periods and prolonged wet seasons, when rain becomes an almost daily occurrence. Given the tropical location of Sri Lanka, snow does not fall here.

The driest months in Colombo are traditionally considered January and February. In January, the average monthly rainfall is about 3 mm, with approximately 10 rainy days. February is even drier – an average of just 2 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of days with rain drops to 9. This period is characterized by the lowest probability of encountering rainfall.

The rainy season in Colombo is quite long and covers most of the year, starting roughly in April and continuing until November. The wettest months in terms of rainfall are November (averaging 13 mm), as well as May and October (about 12 mm each). Notably, in May, June, and October, it can rain practically every day, reaching up to 30 rainy days per month. In other months of this wet season, such as April, July, August, and September, the number of days with precipitation also remains high, ranging from 26 to 29 days. This indicates frequent, though not always torrential, rains.

March and December can be viewed as transition months. In March, the number of rainy days noticeably increases to 19, although the total amount of precipitation is still comparatively small (4 mm), signaling the approach of the wet season. In December, conversely, after the peak of the rainy season, precipitation intensity decreases (averaging 6 mm), and the number of rainy days reduces to 18, heralding the arrival of a drier period.

When planning a trip to Colombo, it is important to consider its tropical climate with high humidity and frequent rains throughout most of the year. The average annual temperature fluctuates slightly, remaining comfortably warm, so the main emphasis in your wardrobe should be on light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. T-shirts, shorts, skirts, sundresses, and light trousers will be your best companions. Don't forget headwear for sun protection, sunglasses, and cream with high SPF, as the sun here is very active.

Given the significant number of rainy days in almost every month, especially from April to November when precipitation increases, having an umbrella or a light raincoat is simply essential. Although the temperature remains high even during rainy periods, quick-drying clothing can prove very practical. Comfortable walking shoes are a must-have attribute, as you will surely want to explore the city. Consider sandals or light sneakers that are water-resistant or dry quickly. For visiting temples, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, and shoes that are easy to remove, may be required.

Since the air temperature in Colombo is consistently high year-round, you will not need warm winter clothing. However, a light cardigan or shawl may come in handy in the evenings or in air-conditioned spaces such as shopping centres or restaurants. The principle of layering here is not so much for warmth, but for adapting to transitions from the hot outdoors to cool indoor areas and for protection against the sun or light rain.