Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Uva, Sri Lanka, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Af, indicating a tropical rainforest climate characterized by high humidity and abundant rainfall throughout the year. Temperatures in Uva range from a minimum of 13°C (57°F) in January to an average of 25°C (77°F), with peak conditions reaching up to 38°C (101°F) in September. These temperature variations, coupled with consistent moisture, create a vibrant ecosystem and support diverse flora and fauna unique to this region.
Uva, Sri Lanka, exhibits a distinct temperature pattern throughout the year, characterized by a gradual warming trend in the first half of the year, reaching its peak in mid-summer. Starting with cooler temperatures in January, where the minimum dips to 13°C (57°F), January to April sees a steady rise in both average and maximum temperatures, culminating in April's maximum of 37°C (99°F). May marks the beginning of a warm, humid phase, as both average and maximum temperatures remain elevated, peaking at 38°C (101°F) in June and July. The region experiences slight cooling as the year progresses, with temperatures declining slightly in August and stabilizing through October, before dipping to the cooler end of the spectrum in November and December, marked by averages dipping back to 23°C (73°F) in December. This seasonal fluctuation highlights Uva's tropical climate, where warm temperatures persist, complemented by a humid atmosphere, particularly in the mid-year months.
Kataragama experiences a temperature range from a minimum of 18°C (64°F) in January to a peak of 38°C (101°F) in September, making it the warmest among the three locations. In contrast, Ella Town has lower temperature variations, with a minimum of 13°C (57°F) in January and a maximum of 34°C (93°F) in July. Similarly, Haputale records a minimum of 14°C (58°F) in January and a maximum of 34°C (93°F) in September. For detailed monthly temperatures, visit monthly temperatures in Kataragama, monthly temperatures in Ella Town, and monthly temperatures in Haputale.
Uva, Sri Lanka, experiences a pronounced wet season that significantly impacts its climate and ecology. Beginning the year with relatively modest precipitation in January at 85 mm (3.3 in), rainfall levels rise steadily, reaching a peak of 135 mm (5.3 in) in April. The months of May and June see a sharp increase, with May recording 170 mm (6.7 in), signaling the commencement of the primary monsoon season. This is followed by wetter conditions, particularly in October and November, where precipitation surges to 279 mm (11.0 in) and 326 mm (12.8 in), respectively, indicating the region's reliance on these months for replenishing water resources.
Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year in terms of the number of rainy days, although November stands out with the highest frequency of precipitation, averaging 25 rainy days. The wettest months typically coincide with the highest rainfall totals, as seen in October and November, while the drier months, such as June, receive significantly less precipitation at 59 mm (2.3 in) over 10 days. This seasonal variability in precipitation patterns is crucial for sustaining Uva's vibrant ecosystems and agricultural practices, making it a vital component of the region's climatic identity.
In Uva, Sri Lanka, sunshine duration exhibits a noticeable seasonal variation, with the early months of the year enjoying increasingly abundant sunlight. Commencing with 264 hours in January, there is a progressive rise in sunshine hours that peaks in July at 341 hours, marking the sunniest period of the year. This upward trend from January through March is characterized by clear skies and prolonged daylight, with March specifically recording an impressive 334 hours. The months leading into the summer—April and May—also maintain high sunshine values, though slightly lower than July, showcasing a consistent pattern of warm and sunny conditions that are essential for the region's agricultural productivity.
As the year progresses into the latter months, sunshine duration begins to decline, reflecting the transition towards the wetter season. October experiences a decrease to 306 hours, followed by a further drop in November to 279 hours, illustrating the impact of the incoming monsoon season on cloud cover and decreased sunlight. Despite this decline, December rebounds slightly with 302 hours of sunshine, providing a mix of sun and rain as the year comes to a close. Overall, Uva’s sunshine patterns emphasize a robust summer season, vital for both the biodiversity in the region and the cultivation of crops, while also highlighting the challenges posed by reduced sunlight in the rainy months.
The UV Index in Uva, Sri Lanka, remains predominantly in the extreme exposure category throughout the year, highlighting significant concerns for skin health and sun safety. Starting at a UV Index of 13 in January, levels peak in March and April at 16, indicating that residents and visitors alike should exercise caution when spending time outdoors. The consistent burn time of just 10 minutes across these months emphasizes the urgency with which individuals must protect their skin from potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation, particularly during midday hours when the sun's intensity is at its highest.
As the year progresses into the later months, the UV Index shows a slight decline but remains in the extreme category, reaching values of 12 in November and 11 in December. This reduction does not eliminate the need for protective measures; even in these months, a mere 10-minute burn time necessitates the use of sunscreen and protective clothing. Overall, Uva's high UV Index year-round serves as a reminder of the persistent tropical sunlight, urging the local population and tourists to remain vigilant against the risks associated with sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
In Uva, Sri Lanka, daylight duration exhibits a consistent pattern throughout the year, predominantly alternating between 11 and 12 hours. The year begins with 11 hours of daylight in both January and February, providing a stable, although slightly shorter, period of natural light as the region transitions from winter to spring. By March, daylight increases to 12 hours, maintaining this consistent duration through June. This period of longer daylight aligns well with the growing season, fostering the health of local ecosystems and agricultural practices.
As the second half of the year commences, daylight duration reverts back to 11 hours in both October and November, before stabilizing at this level again in December. This cyclical rhythm underscores the equatorial influence on Uva, where variations in sunlight are minimal across seasons compared to temperate regions. The overall consistency in daylight hours throughout the year emphasizes the importance of planning outdoor activities and agricultural cycles while taking into account the predictable patterns of light and dark.
Badulla, Sri Lanka, experiences a temperate climate with average temperatures ranging from 21°C (70°F) in January to a peak of 25°C (76°F) in the warmer months. The region gets substantial rainfall, particularly in May, November, and October, which are the wettest months, with precipitation reaching up to 325 mm (12.8 in) in November. Despite the rain, Badulla enjoys considerable sunshine throughout the year, peaking at 336 hours in July. The combination of moderate temperatures and varying rainfall contributes to the area's lush landscapes. For more details, visit the Badulla climate.
Ella Town, Sri Lanka, enjoys a mild climate with average temperatures ranging from 21°C (70°F) in January to 24°C (75°F) in September, peaking at 25°C (76°F) in the months of May and June. The region experiences significant rainfall, particularly from October to November, where precipitation can reach up to 325 mm (12.8 in) in November. Sunshine hours are abundant, with July recording up to 336 hours of sun, making it a pleasant destination throughout the year. For more detailed information, visit Ella Town climate.
Haputale, Sri Lanka experiences a temperate climate with mild temperatures ranging from a minimum of 14°C (58°F) in January to a maximum of 34°C (93°F) in the warmer months of June and July. The region sees the most rainfall in November, with 347 mm (13.7 in) recorded, contributing to a vibrant landscape. Sunshine hours peak in July, boasting 341 hours of sunlight, while the wetter months from April to October see varying precipitation levels. Overall, the climate is characterized by warm temperatures juxtaposed with substantial rainfall, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. More details can be found at Haputale climate.
Kataragama, Sri Lanka, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall. The temperature ranges from a minimum of 18°C (64°F) in January to a maximum of 38°C (100°F) in several months, peaking in April through October. Rainfall is heaviest from October to December, with November receiving up to 289 mm (11.4 in), while the drier months of June and July see less than 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in the mid-year months, with over 340 hours recorded in July and August. For more information, visit Kataragama climate.
Wellawaya, Sri Lanka, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. Average daily temperatures range from a minimum of 14°C (58°F) in January to a maximum of 34°C (93°F) in June and July. The wettest months are November and October, receiving up to 347 mm (13.7 in) and 311 mm (12.2 in) of precipitation, respectively. Despite this, the region enjoys ample sunshine, with hours peaking at 341 in July. For more detailed climate information, visit Wellawaya climate.
In conclusion, Uva, Sri Lanka, showcases a unique and dynamic climate characterized by its tropical rainforest classification, significant precipitation patterns, intense UV exposure, and consistent daylight duration throughout the year. The region’s prolonged sunshine combined with extreme UV Index levels necessitates precautionary measures for sun safety, while the cyclical nature of daylight hours provides a reliable framework for agricultural and recreational planning. Understanding these climatic factors is essential for both local communities and visitors, as they influence the area's vibrant ecosystems, health considerations, and overall lifestyle, ultimately contributing to the rich tapestry of life in Uva.