The short answer
When to go to Colombo
December to March is the best window: the driest months, with Jan and Feb averaging under 80 mm of rain and highs around 31 degrees. April and May bring heavy inter-monsoon rain, with May the wettest month, and October and November are the second wet spell. Temperatures barely change, so the choice is about rain and humidity. Older travellers should plan outings early in the day and rest in the afternoon, as the heat and humidity make long walks tiring even in the dry months.
Month by month
Colombo weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C | 23°C | 80 mm | Driest stretch; warm, humid, comfortable for sightseeing | |
| February | 32°C | 24°C | 77 mm | Dry and sunny; good for Galle Face and the museum | |
| March | 32°C | 25°C | 103 mm | Hot and humid; showers start to build late in the month | |
| April | 32°C | 25°C | 249 mm | Inter-monsoon thunderstorms; plan indoor stops for afternoons | |
| May | 32°C | 26°C | 314 mm | Wettest month; heavy rain and flooding possible | |
| June | 31°C | 26°C | 197 mm | Southwest monsoon; frequent rain but cooler | |
| July | 30°C | 26°C | 123 mm | Showers and humidity; breaks between spells | |
| August | 30°C | 26°C | 116 mm | Lower rain than May or October; still humid | |
| September | 30°C | 25°C | 264 mm | Rain builds again; carry an umbrella | |
| October | 30°C | 25°C | 359 mm | Inter-monsoon peak; heavy afternoon downpours | |
| November | 31°C | 24°C | 346 mm | Very wet; storms common | |
| December | 31°C | 24°C | 171 mm | Rain eases and festive season begins; book ahead |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Colombo seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: January and February
- January: Driest stretch; warm, humid, comfortable for sightseeing
- February: Dry and sunny; good for Galle Face and the museum
Good, with small trade-offs: March and December
- March: Hot and humid; showers start to build late in the month
- December: Rain eases and festive season begins; book ahead
Possible, with planning: April, June, July, August and September
- April: Inter-monsoon thunderstorms; plan indoor stops for afternoons
- June: Southwest monsoon; frequent rain but cooler
- July: Showers and humidity; breaks between spells
- August: Lower rain than May or October; still humid
- September: Rain builds again; carry an umbrella
Best avoided with parents or children: May, October and November
- May: Wettest month; heavy rain and flooding possible
- October: Inter-monsoon peak; heavy afternoon downpours
- November: Very wet; storms common
Useful answers
Best time to visit Colombo: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Colombo?
January and February are the best months to visit Colombo, with March and December also good. December to March is the best window: the driest months, with Jan and Feb averaging under 80 mm of rain and highs around 31 degrees. April and May bring heavy inter-monsoon rain, with May the wettest month, and October and November are the second wet spell. Temperatures barely change, so the choice is about rain and humidity. Older travellers should plan outings early in the day and rest in the afternoon, as the heat and humidity make long walks tiring even in the dry months.
Which months should I avoid in Colombo with elderly parents?
May, October and November are the months to avoid with older travellers. Wettest month; heavy rain and flooding possible Inter-monsoon peak; heavy afternoon downpours
When does it rain most in Colombo?
October is the wettest month, with about 359 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is March, with average highs around 32°C.