Weather in Kandy

Planning your day in Kandy? Check out the latest weather data, forecasts, and useful charts right in this section.

The climate in Kandy, located in the mountainous region of Sri Lanka, can be described as tropical monsoon, but with more moderate temperatures compared to the coastal areas of the island. Thanks to its location, there is no sweltering heat here. The average annual air temperature fluctuates in a comfortable range from 23°C to 26°C, making Kandy attractive to visit at any time of the year. Nights can be a little cooler, especially in the winter months, with minimum temperatures around 19-20°C.

In Kandy, there is no sharp change of seasons as in temperate latitudes, but two main periods associated with monsoons can be distinguished, which affect the amount of rainfall. Although rain is possible year-round, and the number of rainy days is quite high (from 13 to 28 per month), the most intense rainfall usually occurs in October and November. During these months, the highest amount of precipitation falls, up to 12-14 mm, and the number of rainy days reaches 26-28. From January to March and in June, a relative lull is observed with less precipitation (2-3 mm).

Overall, the weather in Kandy is characterized by pleasant warmth and high humidity. Even in drier months, it is worth being prepared for short-term rains. Such weather promotes the lush growth of tropical vegetation, making the surrounding landscapes particularly picturesque. Stable temperatures and regular rainfall create a unique microclimate, which gives Kandy its special charm.

The climate in Kandy is distinguished by pleasant warmth all year round, without sharp temperature spikes. The average monthly temperature here fluctuates within a fairly narrow range: from 23.4°C in January and December to 26.0°C in April. If we look at the general annual temperature spread, then in Kandy the thermometer can drop to nightly minimums of around 19.6°C (in January) and rise to daily maximums reaching 30.4°C (in April). The hottest months, both in terms of average and maximum daily indicators, are traditionally considered April (average 26.0°C, maximum up to 30.4°C) and March (average 25.6°C, maximum up to 30.3°C). The "coolest" by average monthly values remain January and December, with an average temperature of 23.4°C.

During the so-called "summer" period, which falls in March and April, hot weather sets in in Kandy. Daytime temperatures confidently exceed 30°C, creating a sensation of real tropical heat, especially in combination with the humidity characteristic of this region. Nights in these months also remain warm, with minimum temperatures rarely dropping below 21°C (21.0°C in March, 21.7°C in April), which ensures comfortable conditions for evening walks.

In the "cooler" months, such as January and December, the weather in Kandy becomes especially pleasant. During the day, the temperature usually holds within comfortable limits of 26-27°C (maximum 27.1°C in January, 26.6°C in December), which is ideal for excursions and active recreation. Nights bring refreshing coolness, and the temperature can drop to 19.6°C in January and 20.2°C in December. It is worth noting that in some months, especially in February, March, and April, more noticeable daily temperature fluctuations are observed, when the difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum can reach 8-9°C. During such periods, a light sweater or shawl may come in handy for the evening hours, even if the day was very hot.

In Kandy, precipitation falls throughout the year; however, its amount and frequency change noticeably depending on the season. The city does not have a clearly pronounced absolutely dry period, but wetter and relatively dry months are clearly traceable. Given the warm climate of Kandy, all precipitation falls in the form of rain.

The least rainy period in Kandy usually falls on the months from January to March. At this time, the amount of precipitation is minimal: for example, in March, only about 2 mm falls on average. February is distinguished by the lowest number of rainy days – approximately 13. Despite this, even in these nominally "dry" months, short rains are possible.

Starting from April, the amount of precipitation and the number of rainy days gradually increase. The main peak of humidity occurs in October and November. November is the wettest month of the year with an average rainfall of about 14 mm. October stands out with the highest number of rainy days – there are on average 28 of them here. May is also characterized by a significant number of wet days (about 26) and a moderate amount of precipitation (about 7 mm).

In general, a high frequency of precipitation is characteristic for Kandy, especially in the period from April to December, when more than 20 days a month can be rainy. This suggests that travelers should be prepared for frequent, although judging by the total volume, predominantly not too intense rains or drizzle during most of the year.

When planning a trip to Kandy, it is important to prepare for its warm and humid climate. Temperatures here are comfortable year-round, averaging between 23°C and 26°C. The basis of your wardrobe should consist of light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Even in relatively cool months, such as January or December, the temperature rarely drops below 19-20°C at night, so you are unlikely to need warm clothes. However, a light sweater, cardigan, or shawl may come in handy for evening walks or visiting places with air conditioning.

One of the key features of the weather in Kandy is the high probability of precipitation throughout the year. The number of days with rain is significant. An increase in precipitation and the number of rainy days is observed from April to May, and the peak in terms of rainfall occurs in October and November. Therefore, a compact umbrella and a light raincoat or waterproof jacket will become indispensable companions on your journey. It is also worth taking care of comfortable footwear, preferably water-resistant, suitable for walking around the city and sightseeing, which often includes temple complexes.

Do not forget about sun protection: a hat, sunglasses, and high SPF cream are mandatory, as the tropical sun can be very active even on cloudy days. For visiting the numerous temples of Kandy, including the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic, you will need modest clothing covering shoulders and knees – this should be taken into account when packing your suitcase. A light scarf or pareo can be a universal solution for such cases.