The short answer
When to go to Jaffna
The drier, more dependable months are February to September, with February and March the most comfortable before the heat peaks in April to August. The northeast monsoon brings heavy rain from October to December, with November the wettest month, so avoid those months if you plan island ferries or long drives. Older travellers should favour January to March, keep outings to morning and late afternoon, and allow rest breaks in the heat.
Month by month
Jaffna weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C | 22°C | 44 mm | Pleasant and fairly dry after the rains. | |
| February | 31°C | 22°C | 26 mm | Driest and cooler; best for sightseeing. | |
| March | 33°C | 23°C | 43 mm | Warm and dry; good for temples and the coast. | |
| April | 34°C | 26°C | 65 mm | Hot; start early and rest at midday. | |
| May | 33°C | 28°C | 66 mm | Hot and humid. | |
| June | 33°C | 28°C | 19 mm | Dry but hot and windy. | |
| July | 33°C | 27°C | 23 mm | Dry, hot; Nallur festival season begins. | |
| August | 32°C | 27°C | 57 mm | Warm, mostly dry; Nallur festival crowds. | |
| September | 32°C | 27°C | 81 mm | Hot; rain picks up late in the month. | |
| October | 31°C | 25°C | 235 mm | Northeast monsoon starts; heavy showers. | |
| November | 30°C | 24°C | 437 mm | Wettest month; ferries and roads may be disrupted. | |
| December | 29°C | 23°C | 274 mm | Heavy rain early, easing by year end. |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Jaffna seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: February and March
- February: Driest and cooler; best for sightseeing.
- March: Warm and dry; good for temples and the coast.
Good, with small trade-offs: January, April, August and September
- January: Pleasant and fairly dry after the rains.
- April: Hot; start early and rest at midday.
- August: Warm, mostly dry; Nallur festival crowds.
- September: Hot; rain picks up late in the month.
Possible, with planning: May, June and July
- May: Hot and humid.
- June: Dry but hot and windy.
- July: Dry, hot; Nallur festival season begins.
Best avoided with parents or children: October, November and December
- October: Northeast monsoon starts; heavy showers.
- November: Wettest month; ferries and roads may be disrupted.
- December: Heavy rain early, easing by year end.
Useful answers
Best time to visit Jaffna: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Jaffna?
February and March are the best months to visit Jaffna, with January, April, August and September also good. The drier, more dependable months are February to September, with February and March the most comfortable before the heat peaks in April to August. The northeast monsoon brings heavy rain from October to December, with November the wettest month, so avoid those months if you plan island ferries or long drives. Older travellers should favour January to March, keep outings to morning and late afternoon, and allow rest breaks in the heat.
Which months should I avoid in Jaffna with elderly parents?
October, November and December are the months to avoid with older travellers. Northeast monsoon starts; heavy showers. Wettest month; ferries and roads may be disrupted.
When does it rain most in Jaffna?
November is the wettest month, with about 437 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is April, with average highs around 34°C.