The short answer
When to go to Negombo
December to March is the best window: the driest months, with Jan and Feb averaging under 90 mm of rain and highs around 30 degrees. April and May bring heavy inter-monsoon rain, with May the wettest, 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 and rest at midday, and note that fishing typically runs September to April, so the fish market is busiest then.
Month by month
Negombo weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C | 22°C | 89 mm | Dry spell; warm and comfortable for sightseeing | |
| February | 31°C | 22°C | 69 mm | Driest month; good for the lagoon and canal | |
| March | 31°C | 23°C | 147 mm | Hot and humid; showers build late in the month | |
| April | 31°C | 24°C | 231 mm | Inter-monsoon thunderstorms; keep afternoons indoors | |
| May | 31°C | 26°C | 371 mm | Wettest month; heavy rain and rough seas likely | |
| June | 29°C | 25°C | 224 mm | Southwest monsoon showers; rough sea | |
| July | 29°C | 25°C | 135 mm | Rain easing; breaks between showers | |
| August | 29°C | 25°C | 109 mm | Moderate rain; fair sightseeing days | |
| September | 29°C | 25°C | 160 mm | Rain returns; fishing season begins | |
| October | 29°C | 24°C | 348 mm | Second wet spell; heavy rain likely | |
| November | 29°C | 23°C | 315 mm | Still wet; storms can disrupt boat trips | |
| December | 29°C | 22°C | 147 mm | Drier again; good start to the season |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Negombo seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: January and February
- January: Dry spell; warm and comfortable for sightseeing
- February: Driest month; good for the lagoon and canal
Good, with small trade-offs: March, July, August and December
- March: Hot and humid; showers build late in the month
- July: Rain easing; breaks between showers
- August: Moderate rain; fair sightseeing days
- December: Drier again; good start to the season
Possible, with planning: April, June and September
- April: Inter-monsoon thunderstorms; keep afternoons indoors
- June: Southwest monsoon showers; rough sea
- September: Rain returns; fishing season begins
Best avoided with parents or children: May, October and November
- May: Wettest month; heavy rain and rough seas likely
- October: Second wet spell; heavy rain likely
- November: Still wet; storms can disrupt boat trips
Useful answers
Best time to visit Negombo: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Negombo?
January and February are the best months to visit Negombo, with March, July, August and December also good. December to March is the best window: the driest months, with Jan and Feb averaging under 90 mm of rain and highs around 30 degrees. April and May bring heavy inter-monsoon rain, with May the wettest, 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 and rest at midday, and note that fishing typically runs September to April, so the fish market is busiest then.
Which months should I avoid in Negombo with elderly parents?
May, October and November are the months to avoid with older travellers. Wettest month; heavy rain and rough seas likely Second wet spell; heavy rain likely
When does it rain most in Negombo?
May is the wettest month, with about 371 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is February, with average highs around 31°C.