Weather in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte

Planning your visit to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte? Check out the current weather updates and detailed forecasts presented below to ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible.

The climate in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte can be described as hot and humid tropical. One of the main features of the local weather is its remarkable temperature stability: throughout the year, average thermometer readings fluctuate insignificantly, remaining in a comfortable range from +26°C to +28°C. There are no sudden cold snaps here, so travellers can look forward to an eternal summer.

Instead of the usual four seasons, the year here is divided into drier and wetter periods defined by monsoons. For a significant part of the year, especially from May to November, there is a high probability of precipitation: the number of rainy days is high during these months. Rains often take the form of intense but short-lived tropical showers, after which the sun may come out again.

January and February are considered the most favourable times to visit the city. During this period, rainfall is minimal, and the sky more often delights with clear weather, which is ideal for walking and sightseeing. However, regardless of the chosen month, high humidity remains a constant companion of travel to this region of Sri Lanka.

The climate in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is distinguished by enviable stability: eternal summer reigns here, and sharp temperature changes during the year are practically unobserved. The annual range of average temperatures is minimal — from 26.6°C in the "cool" months (October–January) to 28.3°C at the height of the heat (March–April). The hottest period can be called the beginning of spring, when daytime highs regularly reach the mark of 31.5°C, creating an atmosphere of true tropical heat.

The concepts of "winter" and "summer" are quite relative here. The winter months, especially January and February, delight tourists with the most comfortable weather: during the day the air warms up to 30–31°C, which is ideal for relaxation. The summer period (from June to August), surprisingly, is characterized by slightly lower daytime temperatures — about 28–29°C, however, due to high humidity and frequent rainfall, the heat may be felt differently.

Diurnal temperature fluctuations in the capital of Sri Lanka are quite mild but bring relief after the midday sun. The difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum is usually about 5–7 degrees. Even on the coolest nights of the year, falling in January, the thermometer rarely drops below 23.5°C, making evenings warm and pleasant for walks.

The climate in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is typically tropical, so precipitation here falls exclusively in the form of rain. Throughout the year, there is a clear division into drier and wetter periods, although it is difficult to avoid rain completely. The longest rainy season starts in April and lasts practically until the end of the year. During this period, especially from May to October, an umbrella will become your main companion, as the number of rainy days reaches a maximum — up to 30 days a month.

The peak of humidity falls in May and October-November, when the highest precipitation figures (up to 12–13 mm) and maximum frequency of rains are recorded. At this time, downpours can be frequent, but as a rule, they are warm and bring long-awaited freshness. Even in summer months, such as June and July, it rains almost daily, so tourists should be prepared for changeable weather.

If you want to catch more sunny days, it is best to plan your trip for the beginning of the year. January and February are the driest months of the year. February is the absolute leader in the number of clear days: on average, it rains only about 9 times a month, and the precipitation level falls to a minimum. This is the ideal time for sightseeing and walking around the city.

When packing for Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, it is worth considering that a warm and humid tropical climate prevails here all year round. Since the average air temperature remains steadily around the 26–28°C mark, the basis of your wardrobe should be light clothing made of natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen. T-shirts, loose shirts, and shorts will ensure comfort in the heat, however, for visiting cultural and religious sites, do not forget to bring items that cover shoulders and knees.

Particular attention should be paid to protection from moisture, as rain is a frequent occurrence here, especially from May to November, when the number of rainy days can reach a maximum. Be sure to pack a compact umbrella or a lightweight raincoat that is convenient to carry in a backpack. As for footwear, it is better to choose comfortable sandals that are not afraid of water and dry quickly, or light sneakers for long walks around the city.

Despite the cloudiness and precipitation, the sun in Sri Lanka is very active, so sunscreen with a high protection factor, sunglasses, and a hat are mandatory accessories. Evenings here remain warm (about 24–25°C), so you will not need a warm jacket, but a light long-sleeved top will come in handy for protection against mosquitoes or the cool air in air-conditioned rooms.