Year-round weather and climate in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Average temperatures in Colombo run from an average low of 23°C73°F in January up to an average high of 31°C88°F in February. February is the driest month at 10 rainy days; May the wettest at 30. Here is the annual climate data, so you know what you are packing for.
Good to know
- Population
- 648K
- Currency
- LKR
- Language
- Sinhala / Tamil
- Time zone
- Colombo
Best time to visit
To avoid the most intense heat, the best time to visit is during the milder season around January, February, and March.
Rain character
Tropical Downpours: Expect intense bursts of rain during wetter months. Pack quick-drying footwear and a compact umbrella.
Day-to-night swing
Evening Chill: Temperatures drop by a noticeable 8°C14°F when the sun goes down. A light sweater or jacket is usually all you need for evening plans.
Seasonality Profile
Tropical Monsoon: Consistent heat year-round. Defined entirely by its dramatic shift between extreme dry and torrential wet seasons.
Evening vibe
Cozy Indoor Culture: Evenings are generally crisp, damp, or sweltering. Nightlife centers around indoor venues.
Sightseeing stamina
Summer Heat Fatigue: Midday heat in February and March is intense. Pack high-SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
Average temperatures, sunshine, and rainfall
Average monthly weather in Colombo, based on recent historical data. Essential insights on temperature swings, expected rainfall, and daily sunshine.
Bars span the average daily low to high. Feb is typically driest at 10 days (41mm); May the wettest at 30 days (440mm).
| Month | Average high | Average low | Sunshine hours | Rainy days | Total rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 10h | 15 | 120mm |
| Feb | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 74°F | 11h | 10 | 41mm |
| Mar | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 11h | 18 | 105mm |
| Apr | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 76°F | 11h | 24 | 156mm |
| May | 30°C / 85°F | 26°C / 78°F | 8h | 30 | 440mm |
| Jun | 29°C / 84°F | 25°C / 78°F | 10h | 29 | 307mm |
| Jul | 29°C / 84°F | 25°C / 78°F | 9h | 28 | 250mm |
| Aug | 29°C / 83°F | 25°C / 77°F | 10h | 29 | 257mm |
| Sep | 29°C / 83°F | 25°C / 76°F | 9h | 29 | 341mm |
| Oct | 29°C / 83°F | 24°C / 76°F | 8h | 29 | 365mm |
| Nov | 29°C / 84°F | 23°C / 74°F | 8h | 25 | 411mm |
| Dec | 30°C / 85°F | 23°C / 74°F | 9h | 21 | 198mm |
Weather data by Open-Meteo.com (opens in a new tab)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the sunniest time of year to visit Colombo?
The most sunshine in Colombo comes around February, averaging 11 hours a month. If you're heading there then, pack your sunglasses and sunscreen.
What clothes should I pack for Colombo?
Your packing list depends entirely on when you travel. Temperatures in Colombo swing from an average low of 23°C73°F in January up to 31°C88°F in February. The Packola app builds a tailored packing list for you based on the live weather forecast for your exact travel dates.
Do I need to pack an umbrella for Colombo?
Colombo gets rain on about 287 days out of the year. The wettest month is May. If you're traveling during the rainy season, you'll definitely want to pack an umbrella and a light rain jacket.
Pack smarter.
Averages get you close, but the week you travel is what matters. Get the live forecast, a smart packing list, and discover the best local spots and activities in Colombo with Packola.
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