Best months
July, August, and December
Warmest month
April, 32°C
Wettest month
November, 361 mm
Colombo weather by month
Average daily high and low, total rainfall and days with at least 2.5 mm of rain.
| Month | High / low | Rain | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C / 24°C | 78 mm · 4 days | Hot |
| February | 32°C / 24°C | 80 mm · 4 days | Hot |
| March | 32°C / 25°C | 145 mm · 7 days | Hot |
| April | 32°C / 26°C | 296 mm · 11 days | Hot |
| May | 32°C / 26°C | 315 mm · 13 days | Hot |
| June | 31°C / 26°C | 190 mm · 13 days | Wet |
| July | 31°C / 26°C | 110 mm · 7 days | Fair |
| August | 30°C / 26°C | 112 mm · 8 days | Fair |
| September | 30°C / 26°C | 288 mm · 13 days | Wet |
| October | 30°C / 25°C | 324 mm · 15 days | Wet |
| November | 31°C / 24°C | 361 mm · 14 days | Wet |
| December | 31°C / 24°C | 236 mm · 9 days | Fair |
Colombo by season
Spring
March to April is hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 31°C. This period includes the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year (mid-April), bringing festive celebrations but also significant domestic travel.
- + Experience vibrant Avurudu (New Year) festivities and games
- + Generally less international tourist crowds
- + Long, sunny days
- − Intense heat and humidity
- − Potential for brief but heavy thunderstorms
Summer
May through August sees the onset of the southwest monsoon (Yala season). Expect high humidity, temperatures around 30-31°C, and frequent, heavy rainfall, particularly in the afternoons and evenings.
- + Lush, green landscapes in the city
- + Lower hotel rates and fewer tourists
- + Cooler temperatures during rain showers
- − Daily rainfall can disrupt outdoor plans
- − High humidity
Autumn
September to November is an inter-monsoonal period with unpredictable weather. It can be very wet, with a risk of thunderstorms and occasional cyclonic activity in the Bay of Bengal.
- + The lowest tourist season, offering great deals
- + Cultural events like Vesak (May) sometimes fall in this period
- + Vibrant post-rain skies
- − Most unpredictable weather, with risk of flooding
- − Highest rainfall averages of the year
Winter
December to February is the peak tourist season. The northeast monsoon brings drier, sunny weather to the west coast. Temperatures are pleasant, averaging 28-30°C with lower humidity and cool evenings.
- + Ideal weather for sightseeing and beach time
- + Clear skies and minimal rainfall
- + All festivals and attractions are fully operational
- − Highest prices for flights and accommodation
- − Crowds at major tourist sites
Colombo month by month
Colombo in January
HotIn January, Colombo averages highs of 31°C and lows of 24°C, with about 4 rainy days and 78 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
Colombo in February
HotIn February, Colombo averages highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C, with about 4 rainy days and 80 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
Colombo in March
HotIn March, Colombo averages highs of 32°C and lows of 25°C, with about 7 rainy days and 145 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
Colombo in April
HotIn April, Colombo averages highs of 32°C and lows of 26°C, with about 11 rainy days and 296 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
Colombo in May
HotIn May, Colombo averages highs of 32°C and lows of 26°C, with about 13 rainy days and 315 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
Colombo in June
WetIn June, Colombo averages highs of 31°C and lows of 26°C, with about 13 rainy days and 190 mm of rain. It is one of the wetter months, so keep indoor plans in reserve.
Colombo in July
FairIn July, Colombo averages highs of 31°C and lows of 26°C, with about 7 rainy days and 110 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Colombo in August
FairIn August, Colombo averages highs of 30°C and lows of 26°C, with about 8 rainy days and 112 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Colombo in September
WetIn September, Colombo averages highs of 30°C and lows of 26°C, with about 13 rainy days and 288 mm of rain. It is one of the wetter months, so keep indoor plans in reserve.
Colombo in October
WetIn October, Colombo averages highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C, with about 15 rainy days and 324 mm of rain. It is one of the wetter months, so keep indoor plans in reserve.
Colombo in November
WetIn November, Colombo averages highs of 31°C and lows of 24°C, with about 14 rainy days and 361 mm of rain. It is one of the wetter months, so keep indoor plans in reserve.
Colombo in December
FairIn December, Colombo averages highs of 31°C and lows of 24°C, with about 9 rainy days and 236 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Top tours and experiences in Colombo
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
Colombo Tuk Tuk City Tour -Sightseeing Entry Fees & Food Included
4.9867 reviews4h
from €21
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Colombo Tuk Tuk City Tour With Friendly Guide All Inclusive
4.9425 reviews4h
from €17
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All things to do in Colombo →
Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Plan your Colombo trip
Best time to visit Colombo: FAQ
What is the best month to visit Colombo?+
July is the most comfortable month on average, with highs of 31°C. August and December are close behind.
What is the rainiest month in Colombo?+
November is the wettest month, with about 361 mm of rain.
How hot does Colombo get?+
April is the warmest month, with average highs of 32°C and lows of 26°C. The coldest nights come in January, averaging 24°C.
Averages for 2006–2025 from the COLOMBO weather station (3 km from the centre), NOAA Global Historical Climatology Network. Verdicts rate sightseeing comfort from daytime highs and rainy days.