Last updated: March 19, 2025
Experience Colombo's January weather with its warm tropical climate, where temperatures range from a minimum of 22°C (72°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F). The average temperature hovers around a comfortable 27°C (81°F), making it an ideal time for outdoor adventures. Visitors can expect about 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain over the month, typically spread across 7 wet days, contributing to a humidity level of 77% that adds to the lush, vibrant atmosphere of this coastal city. Embrace the warmth and the occasional rain as you explore all that Colombo has to offer in January!
In Colombo, Sri Lanka, January welcomes warm weather with temperatures ranging from a comfortable minimum of 22°C (72°F) to a sizzling maximum of 33°C (92°F), averaging around 27°C (81°F). As the month unfolds, the heat begins to intensify just slightly, with February exhibiting a noticeable uptick in both average and peak temperatures. Throughout the coming months, the minimum temperatures remain relatively stable, hovering around 25°C (77°F), while the daytime highs still touch the low to mid-30s. As the year progresses, the variations become subtler, with average temperatures maintaining a steady 27°C (81°F) through to October. Interestingly, even in the cooler months of December and November, daytime highs barely dip below 31°C (88°F), ensuring that Colombo's warm, tropical climate provides a delightful escape for visitors year-round.
In January, Colombo, Sri Lanka experiences relatively low precipitation, with an average of 54 mm (2.1 in) spread over 7 days. This month marks the beginning of a gradual increase in rainfall, as the city transitions from the dryer season into a wetter climate. Comparatively, February maintains the same precipitation levels but slightly increases in rainy days, hinting at the onset of the monsoon period that peaks in the following months. As the year progresses, rainfall escalates significantly, peaking in October with 347 mm (13.6 in), demonstrating a clear trend where rainfall intensifies from the early months towards the middle of the year. This pattern highlights Colombo's shift from its drier beginnings to a lush, vibrant landscape fueled by the abundant rain, shaping the island's natural beauty and agricultural rhythms.
In January, Colombo, Sri Lanka, experiences a significant humidity level of 77%, setting the stage for the typically warm and tropical climate of the region. As the months progress towards February and March, a slight dip in humidity to 73% and 74% respectively provides a brief reprieve before stabilizing at 74% in April. The warmth returns in May with humidity inching back up to 76%. From mid-year onwards, the humidity consistently rises, peaking at 83% in August, reflecting the region's characteristic wetness during its monsoon season. The latter part of the year sees humidity levels hover between 80% and 82%, hinting at the high moisture retention typical for Colombo. Thus, although January starts off moderately humid, a noticeable upward trend marks the transition into the more oppressive moisture-laden months of mid-year.
In January, Colombo, Sri Lanka, experiences a UV Index of 12, categorizing it as extreme with a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. This trend of intense UV exposure continues throughout the early months of the year, peaking at 15 in April before slightly tapering off in the latter half of the year. Notably, February and March maintain a consistent UV Index of 14, while June through October sees a slight drop to 13. By November, the index lowers to 11, and December sees a further dip to 10, shifting to a very high exposure category with a slightly extended burn time of 15 minutes. For those planning to bask in Sri Lanka's sun, staying informed is crucial; check out the detailed insights at Colombo UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
January in Colombo, Sri Lanka, offers a delightful 270 hours of sunshine, setting a bright and cheerful tone for the year. This sun-soaked month marks the beginning of a gradual increase in daylight, with February and March witnessing a steady rise to an impressive 336 hours in March. The sunshine remains abundant as spring unfolds, with April and May maintaining similar levels, showcasing a vibrant atmosphere perfect for exploration. As the year progresses into the warmer months, sunshine hours peak in July at 333 hours, ultimately bringing a blend of warmth and brightness. Even the latter part of the year retains a generous dose of sunlight, with November dropping to 279 hours but quickly rebounding to 312 hours by December, leaving the city bathed in a warm glow as the holiday season approaches. This consistent abundance of sunshine throughout the year ensures that Colombo remains a captivating destination for sun lovers and adventure seekers alike.
In Colombo, Sri Lanka, January boasts a 22% chance of sunny weather, signaling the start of the year with a modest likelihood of clear skies. This percentage is notably lower than the sunnier months of February and December, with their respective chances soaring to 53% and 54%. As the year progresses, the probability of sunshine generally fluctuates, peaking in February before gradually declining towards the wetter months of May and August, which see only 17% and 9% opportunities for sun, respectively. This trend suggests that while January may not be the sunniest start to the year, it serves as a brief transition before the season of greater brightness unfolds.
In Colombo, Sri Lanka, January marks the beginning of the year with a consistent 11 hours of daylight, a trend that carries through into February. As the months progress into March, daylight extends to 12 hours, a duration that remains stable from early spring through late summer. This consistent brightness from March to September creates an inviting atmosphere for outdoor activities and exploration. However, as October rolls in, daylight begins to wane once more, reverting back to 11 hours, a pattern that continues through November and December. This gradual shift in daylight highlights the region's tropical climate, offering ample sunlight for most of the year while transitioning to shorter days as the year comes to a close.
In Colombo, Sri Lanka, January ushers in a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 3.5 m/s (8 mph), setting a tranquil tone for the month. As the new year unfolds, the winds gradually pick up, peaking in July with a robust 5.6 m/s (13 mph), reflecting the onset of the southwestern monsoon season. Following this summer surge, wind speeds start to taper off, returning to the calmer conditions seen at the beginning of the year. Notably, February stands out with a slight increase to 4.7 m/s (11 mph), hinting at a playful shift before the seaside city settles into milder breezes once again in the subsequent months. This cyclical pattern not only highlights the variability of Colombo's wind conditions but also adds a dynamic element to its coastal charm throughout the year.
The weather in Colombo changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Colombo and find detailed weather information for every month.
In January, the weather typically features a minimum temperature of 22°C (72°F), with an average of 27°C (81°F) and a peak reaching up to 33°C (92°F). Precipitation during this month amounts to 54 mm (2.1 in) over about 7 days, paired with a humidity level of 77%.
In contrast, February sees slightly warmer conditions, with a minimum temperature remaining steady at 22°C (73°F) but an average increase to 28°C (82°F) and a maximum of 34°C (94°F). While the precipitation remains the same at 54 mm (2.1 in), it occurs over a greater number of days, totaling 9, and the humidity drops to 73%.
For more details, check out Colombo weather in February.
In January, the weather features a warm climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 22°C (72°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F), accompanied by an average temperature of 27°C (81°F). The month experiences a moderate amount of precipitation at 54 mm (2.1 in) over 7 days, along with a relatively high humidity level of 77%.
In contrast, March sees slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 24°C (76°F) and an average of 28°C (83°F), while still peaking at 33°C (92°F). However, March is notably wetter, receiving 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain spread over 17 days, and the humidity is marginally lower at 74%. For a detailed look at what to expect during this month, you can check Colombo weather in March.
In January, the weather is generally warm with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 22°C (72°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F), accompanied by an average temperature of 27°C (81°F). The month experiences around 54 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over about 7 days, with humidity levels around 77%. By April, the weather remains similarly warm with slightly higher minimum and average temperatures of 25°C (77°F) and 28°C (83°F), respectively, while the maximum temperature remains steady at 33°C (91°F). However, April sees a significant increase in rainfall, totaling 125 mm (4.9 in) across approximately 25 days, and humidity levels dip slightly to 74%. For more detailed information about the conditions in April, check out Colombo weather in April.
January and May both experience warm temperatures in Colombo, but they differ significantly in precipitation. In January, the temperatures range from a minimum of 22°C (72°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F), with an average of 27°C (81°F) and around 54 mm (2.1 inches) of rainfall over 7 days. In contrast, May sees slightly warmer temperatures with a minimum of 25°C (78°F) and a maximum of 32°C (90°F), but it also brings a dramatic increase in rainfall, totaling 295 mm (11.6 inches) across 29 days. Humidity levels remain high in both months, hovering around 76-77%. For more details on May weather, visit Colombo weather in May.
January and June present distinct contrasts in weather. In January, temperatures typically range from a minimum of 22°C (72°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F), with an average temperature of 27°C (81°F). The month sees moderate precipitation, with about 54 mm (2.1 in) falling over approximately 7 days, and relative humidity at around 77%.
In contrast, June experiences slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 25°C (78°F), an average of 28°C (82°F), and a maximum of 31°C (87°F). However, the month is significantly wetter, recording 257 mm (10.1 in) of rainfall spread across 28 days, resulting in higher humidity levels at 82%. For more details on the weather in June, check out Colombo weather in June.
When comparing January and July weather, January typically features a warmer and drier climate, with average temperatures ranging from 22°C (72°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F) and only 54 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over about 7 days. In contrast, July presents a cooler atmosphere with temperatures from 25°C (77°F) to a max of 30°C (87°F), but it experiences significantly more rainfall, totaling 168 mm (6.6 in) across 26 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in July at 82%, compared to January's 77%. For more details on July conditions, visit Colombo weather in July.
In January, the weather is characterized by relatively warm temperatures, with a minimum of 22°C (72°F) and a maximum of 33°C (92°F). The average temperature remains steady at 27°C (81°F), with a moderate level of precipitation totaling 54 mm (2.1 in) across about 7 days, and humidity levels hovering around 77%. In contrast, August experiences slightly higher minimum temperatures at 25°C (77°F), but a lower maximum than January at 30°C (85°F), with the average remaining the same at 27°C (81°F). However, August is significantly wetter, with total precipitation reaching 189 mm (7.4 in) spread over 27 days, and humidity increasing to 83%. This showcases a clear shift towards a wetter and more humid climate by August. For more details, you can check Colombo weather in August.
In January, the weather is characterized by warm temperatures ranging from a minimum of 22°C (72°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F), with an average of 27°C (81°F). The month sees about 54 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over 7 days, and the humidity is relatively high at 77%. In contrast, September experiences slightly warmer nights with a minimum temperature of 25°C (77°F) and a lower maximum of 30°C (86°F), while still averaging 27°C (81°F). However, this month brings significantly more rainfall, totaling 234 mm (9.2 in) over 26 days, and higher humidity levels at 82%. For a detailed look at September weather in Colombo, you can visit Colombo weather in September.
In January, the weather features a warm range with minimum temperatures around 22°C (72°F) and maximums reaching 33°C (92°F), while the average remains steady at 27°C (81°F). Precipitation is relatively low, with only 54 mm (2.1 in) spread across about 7 days, and a humidity level of 77%. In contrast, October sees slightly higher minimum temperatures at 24°C (76°F), with an average also at 27°C (81°F), but maximums decrease to 30°C (86°F). October is significantly wetter, with a whopping 347 mm (13.6 in) of rain over 29 days, leading to a higher humidity level of 81%. For more details, you can check Colombo weather in October.
When comparing the weather in January and November, both months maintain a similar average temperature of around 27°C (81°F), but January tends to have slightly cooler minimum and maximum temperatures, ranging from 22°C (72°F) to 33°C (92°F). In contrast, November records a minimum of 24°C (75°F) and a maximum of 31°C (88°F), which makes it feel a bit warmer overall. However, November experiences significantly more rainfall, with 294 mm (11.6 in) of precipitation over 26 days, compared to January's lighter 54 mm (2.1 in) over just 7 days. The humidity levels are also slightly higher in November at 80%, compared to January's 77%. For more details on the weather specifics, check out Colombo weather in November.
In comparing the weather of January and December, both months maintain a warm average temperature of 27°C (81°F), but January experiences slightly higher maximum temperatures, peaking at 33°C (92°F) compared to December's 32°C (89°F). December is notable for its increased precipitation, receiving 179 mm (7.1 in) over 17 days, whereas January sees a considerably lower total of 54 mm (2.1 in) across only 7 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in December at 80%, compared to January's 77%. For more detailed insights, you can refer to Colombo weather in December.
As January unfolds in Colombo, it showcases a warm and inviting atmosphere with temperatures averaging a comfortable 27°C (81°F). This month is marked by noticeable humidity levels around 77%, creating a tropical feel that contrasts with the cooler and wetter months to follow. While 54 mm of rain may fall over about seven days, January generally offers a reprieve from the heavy downpours typical of the monsoon season. This blend of warmth and occasional showers makes January an ideal time for visitors to explore the beauty of Colombo. For a deeper dive into what each month has to offer, check out the detailed insights on Colombo Climate.