Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of North Western Sri Lanka is characterized by a tropical monsoon climate, classified under the Koppen-Geiger system as Af, As, and Am. This region experiences a minimum temperature of approximately 18°C (64°F) in January, leading to a moderate start to the year. As temperatures rise, the average temperature settles around 27°C (82°F), fostering a warm and humid environment ideal for diverse ecosystems. The peak warmth is recorded in April, with maximum temperatures soaring to 38°C (101°F), intensifying the monsoonal influences and significantly shaping the local agricultural practices and rainfall patterns.
In North Western Sri Lanka, temperature patterns exhibit a distinct seasonal progression throughout the year. The year begins with relatively cooler conditions in January, where minimum temperatures reach 18°C (64°F), gradually increasing each month. February sees a slight uptick, while March marks the onset of warmth, with averages climbing to 28°C (83°F) and maximums peaking at 38°C (100°F). April maintains these high temperatures but introduces a slight fluctuation with minimums rising to 22°C (72°F). By May, the temperatures stabilize, with averages remaining consistent at 28°C (83°F) despite a slight reduction in maximums. The summer months of June through August feature moderate highs around 33°C (91°F) while minimum temperatures hover between 23°C (73°F) and 21°C (71°F), illustrating the warming influence of the monsoon season. As the year closes, from September to December, temperatures begin to cool, with minimums returning to 19°C (67°F) and averages staying steady, creating a comfortable climate that persists into the new year.
Puttalam and Chilaw experience similar temperature patterns, with a minimum of 22°C (71°F) in January and maximums of 34°C (93°F) reached in April and March, respectively. In contrast, Kurunegala has a lower January minimum of 18°C (64°F) and a higher peak temperature of 38°C (101°F) in April. For more detailed monthly temperatures, visit monthly temperatures in Puttalam, monthly temperatures in Chilaw, and monthly temperatures in Kurunegala.
North Western Sri Lanka experiences a marked variation in precipitation throughout the year, underscoring its tropical monsoon climate. January starts off with relatively low rainfall, recording only 50 mm (2.0 in) over about 5 days, and February continues this trend with just 22 mm (0.9 in). As the year progresses, March sees a significant jump in rainfall to 70 mm (2.8 in). The region's wet season truly commences in April, characterized by a steep increase in precipitation to 123 mm (4.8 in) across 22 days, setting the stage for May, which records the peak rainfall of 227 mm (8.9 in) during 27 days of rain.
Throughout the subsequent months, precipitation remains abundant, with June delivering 169 mm (6.7 in), followed by July and August with 113 mm (4.4 in) and 146 mm (5.7 in) respectively. This trend continues into the fall, where September and October see heightened rainfall, measuring 185 mm (7.3 in) and 309 mm (12.2 in) respectively, further intensifying in November at 318 mm (12.5 in). As December arrives, rainfall diminishes to 133 mm (5.2 in) over 14 days, closing the year on a moderate note. This seasonal rainfall pattern plays a vital role in shaping the region's lush landscapes and agricultural cycles.
In North Western Sri Lanka, sunshine duration shows a pronounced seasonal trend, marked by a steady increase in sunlight hours from winter to summer. Beginning in January with 267 hours of sunshine, the region transitions into spring, where February sees a rise to 312 hours. This upward trajectory peaks in March with an impressive 337 hours of bright sunlight, setting the stage for the warm season. Although April maintains a similar count at 334 hours, subsequent months like May and June also remain vibrant, with 321 and 330 hours of sunshine respectively, reflecting the region's robust climate that nurtures its lush landscapes.
As the year progresses into the latter half, sunshine hours begin to stabilize with July and August witnessing 337 and 332 hours of sunlight, indicating a continued abundance of clear days. However, a gradual decline in sunlight becomes apparent from September onward, where hours drop to 313 and further to 302 in October. November marks a more noticeable decrease with only 276 hours, providing a hint of the impending wet season. By December, sunshine duration bounces back slightly to 309 hours, rounding out the year on a moderately bright note. Overall, these trends highlight the distinct and cyclical nature of sunlight availability in the region, critical for agricultural practices and local lifestyles.
In North Western Sri Lanka, the UV Index consistently reflects a high level of solar intensity throughout the year, indicating a persistent risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Beginning with a UV Index of 12 in January, the situation escalates to an even more severe 14 in February, establishing a trend of extreme exposure conditions. March and April maintain this peak intensity of 15, marking the months with the highest potential for skin damage, as the recommended burn time remains a mere 10 minutes across these months. Even in May, as temperatures peak, the UV Index slightly recedes to 14, yet it remains categorized as extreme.
As the year transitions into the latter half, the UV Index remains notably elevated. From June through August, the UV Index stabilizes around 13, maintaining an extreme category, which underscores the need for diligent sun protection during these months. While September experiences a slight rebound to 14, it descends to 13 in October, followed by a drop to 12 in November, and finally 11 in December. Despite the variations, it is crucial for residents and visitors to be aware of the consistently high UV Index levels, emphasizing the importance of protective measures to minimize the risk of UV-related health issues throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
In North Western Sri Lanka, daylight duration exhibits a relatively consistent pattern throughout the year, typically hovering around 11 to 12 hours. The year begins with 11 hours of daylight in both January and February, reflecting the region's tropical positioning. As March arrives, daylight increases to 12 hours, a trend that continues through April, May, and into the summer months of June and July, where consistent 12-hour days prevail. This extended daylight supports the vibrant ecosystems and agricultural activities that characterize the region during this period.
As the year progresses into the fall months, daylight begins to taper off again. From August through September, the duration remains steady at 12 hours, before reverting back to 11 hours in October, signaling the approach of the dry season. This pattern continues into November and December, where daylight duration remains at 11 hours. Overall, the balance of daylight throughout the year plays a crucial role in shaping the natural rhythms of life in North Western Sri Lanka, influencing everything from farming practices to local cultural activities.
Chilaw, Sri Lanka, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. Average monthly temperatures range from 27°C (81°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F) in March. The wettest months are from May to October, with significant rainfall, particularly in October (311 mm). Despite the rain, Chilaw enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking at 339 hours in March. For more detailed climate information, visit Chilaw climate.
Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka, experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. January and February see average highs around 28-29°C (82-84°F), while March can peak at 38°C (100°F). The rainy season peaks from April to October, with May recording the highest precipitation at 244 mm (9.6 in). Despite the rainfall, the area enjoys substantial sunshine, particularly in March with 335 hours. For more details, visit Kuliyapitiya climate.
The climate in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, is characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 18°C (64°F) in January to a maximum of 38°C (100°F) in March and April, while the yearly average hovers around 27°C (81°F). Rainfall peaks from May to November, with October and November receiving the most precipitation, totaling over 330 mm (13 in) each. Sunshine hours are abundant, reaching up to 337 hours in July, but decrease in the wetter months. For more detailed information, visit Kurunegala climate.
Puttalam, Sri Lanka, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round, with averages ranging from 26°C (80°F) in January to 29°C (84°F) in April. Precipitation varies significantly, peaking in October with 269 mm (10.6 in) and November with 292 mm (11.5 in), suggesting a distinct wet season. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in February and March, with over 300 hours of sunlight each month. This combination of warmth, moisture, and sunlight creates a vibrant environment, ideal for agriculture and outdoor activities. For more detailed information, visit Puttalam climate.
In conclusion, the climate of North Western Sri Lanka is characterized by its distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The region experiences a warm tropical monsoon climate that supports rich biodiversity and agricultural productivity. With temperatures peaking during the summer months and ample sunshine duration throughout the year, coupled with high UV Index values, it is essential for residents and visitors to be vigilant about sun protection. The consistent daylight hours help regulate local ecosystems and cultural practices, reinforcing the area's dependence on the natural rhythms of climate. Overall, understanding these climatic elements is crucial for effective resource management, health considerations, and sustaining the region's vibrant lifestyle.