If you’re planning a trip to Colombo in spring, get ready for warm days, humid nights, and a mix of sunshine and rain. Daily highs usually hit around 89°F (31°C), and lows hover near 77–80°F (25–27°C), with humidity staying stubbornly high.
Showers become more common as spring moves along, but they don’t usually stick around all day.
Spring in Colombo finds a sweet spot between tropical heat and coastal breezes. You can enjoy the city and the nearby beaches without feeling overwhelmed.
Daylight hours stretch out a bit, giving you more time to explore. The Indian Ocean stays warm too, with water temperatures around 84°F (29°C).
Knowing what kind of weather to expect definitely helps you plan. Maybe you’ll wander through bustling markets, chill by the coast, or check out Colombo’s cultural sites.
Let’s break down temperature, rainfall, sunshine, sea conditions, and travel tips so you can make the most of your time in this lively coastal capital.
Overview of Spring Weather in Colombo
Spring in Colombo brings steady warmth, high humidity, and a clear increase in rainfall as the weeks pass. Temperatures don’t change much, but you’ll notice shifts in cloud cover, rain, and wind that shape your time outdoors.
Spring Months in Colombo
Colombo’s spring runs from March through May. Daytime highs usually stay between 86–90°F (30–32°C), and nighttime lows climb from about 76°F (24°C) in early March to 80°F (27°C) by late May.
You’ll see daylight stretch out by about 30 minutes over these months. Sunrise moves from around 6:20 AM in early March to just before 6:00 AM by late May, and sunset sticks close to 6:20 PM.
Humidity stays high, with muggy conditions nearly every day. By late May, it feels even more humid than in early March, so you might want to take breaks or find some shade if you’re outside a lot.
Typical Weather Patterns
The most predictable thing about Colombo’s spring weather is the stable temperature. Unlike other places, you won’t find big swings between day and night. Warmth and humidity stick around both indoors and out.
Clouds start to take over as spring goes on. Early March gives you partly clear skies about 40% of the time, but by late May, mostly cloudy or overcast skies show up over 80% of the time.
Rainfall goes up too. Colombo gets about 2 inches of rain in March, and that jumps to 5–6 inches in May. Wet days show up more often, and May usually brings rain on more than half the days.
Winds change as well. Early spring feels calm, but by May, average wind speeds nearly double to around 14 mph, mostly blowing in from the west.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to winter, spring in Colombo feels stickier and wetter, though temperatures don’t really change. January and February bring fewer rainy days and clearer skies, so they’re a bit more comfortable for outdoor sightseeing.
Spring is a little less rainy than summer but just as humid. By June and July, Colombo dives into its wettest months, with frequent downpours and stronger winds.
Autumn brings even heavier rainfall, with October topping the charts for wet days. Spring feels like a transition—still warm, but you’ll need to be ready for more showers and cloudy skies as the months pass.
Average Temperature in Spring
Spring in Colombo stays warm and humid. Daytime highs hover near 89°F, and nights stay mild. Temperatures don’t swing much month to month, but you’ll notice nights get a little warmer and clouds slowly build up as spring goes on.
Daytime Temperatures
During spring, Colombo’s days usually sit between 86°F and 93°F. The average high lands close to 89°F, which keeps things pretty steady.
You won’t find wild temperature spikes or drops, so it’s easy to plan outdoor stuff. The hottest days often show up in early April, when highs reach about 90°F.
Even then, the bump isn’t huge compared to some tropical cities. Humidity makes the heat feel more intense, especially in the afternoons.
So, whether you’re sightseeing, strolling along the coast, or heading inland, expect warm conditions all season.
Nighttime Temperatures
Nights in Colombo don’t really cool off. Lows range from 76°F to 80°F. Most nights, it won’t drop below 73°F, so you probably won’t need more than light clothes.
By late spring, the average nighttime low creeps up to 80°F. This makes evenings feel muggy, especially since humidity rarely dips below 98%.
Hotels and guesthouses almost always provide air conditioning or decent fans, and you’ll probably want them after a long day outside. With warm nights, there’s not much relief from the heat.
Monthly Temperature Variations
Spring in Colombo doesn’t have dramatic temperature swings. Changes happen slowly and steadily.
- March: Highs near 89°F, lows around 76°F.
- April: A bit warmer, with highs near 90°F and lows around 78°F.
- May: Highs stay close to 89°F, and lows rise to about 80°F.
So, daytime highs barely move, but nighttime lows climb about 4°F through spring. It’s a small shift, but late spring definitely feels warmer and stickier than early spring.
Rainfall and Humidity During Spring
Colombo’s spring keeps things hot and humid, with showers that can surprise you. Rainfall jumps around, so you might get dry spells or sudden heavy downpours.
Humidity stays high, and the number of rainy days really affects how comfortable it feels outside.
Monthly Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall in Colombo during spring changes a lot from month to month. March is the driest, with about 70–80 mm of rain, which is way less than what you’ll get later.
Rain picks up in April, hitting around 250 mm, and that’s when the first monsoon starts to build.
May ends up as the wettest spring month, often topping 350 mm. The southwest monsoon drives this surge, bringing heavier and more regular showers.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| March | ~75 mm |
| April | ~250 mm |
| May | ~350+ mm |
You can see how fast things go from fairly dry to very wet. If you’re visiting in April or May, pack for rainier travel.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in Colombo barely lets up during spring, usually staying above 70%. March feels a little less sticky, with average relative humidity near 69–71%. That makes it the most comfortable month for seeing the sights.
By April, humidity climbs to about 75%, and in May, it peaks around 78–79%. With high humidity and more rain, afternoons can feel pretty heavy, especially when temperatures hit 31–32°C.
If you want to be outside, mornings and evenings feel better. Air conditioning or fans indoors are a lifesaver during the muggiest times of day.
Rainy Days Frequency
Rainy days add up as spring goes on. March brings just 5–6 wet days, so you get more dry stretches.
April jumps to about 10–12 rainy days, and May tops out with 15–16 rainy days on average. Afternoon or evening showers are common, sometimes with thunderstorms.
So, your odds of running into rain go way up later in spring. Carry light rain gear or have indoor plans as backups so you don’t have to let the rain ruin your day.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Colombo’s spring gives you steady sunlight and predictable daylight. Expect a mix of sunny spells and cloudier skies, with daylight lasting just over 12 hours all season.
Average Daily Sunshine
During spring, Colombo gets between 7 and 9 hours of sunshine a day. March is the sunniest, with about 9.2 hours daily. April and May drop a bit as clouds build up with the oncoming southwest monsoon.
Sunshine isn’t evenly spread out though. For example:
| Month | Average Daily Sunshine (hrs) | Monthly Total (hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| March | ~9.2 | ~276 |
| April | ~7.5 | ~225 |
| May | ~7.0 | ~217 |
That’s plenty of sun to keep days warm, with highs near 31–32°C. But as humidity and clouds pick up in late spring, afternoons can feel a bit dimmer, even if daylight hours stay long.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, mornings usually have the clearest skies.
Length of Daylight
Daylight hours in Colombo barely budge during spring because it sits close to the equator. The longest day lasts about 12 hours 24 minutes, and the shortest is around 11 hours 35 minutes. So, you get nearly equal day and night all season.
At midday, the sun climbs high—about 74–75° above the horizon. That strong sun overhead makes things bright and hot, even when it’s partly cloudy.
With less than an hour’s difference in daylight all season, you won’t have to worry about sudden changes in sunrise or sunset. It’s easy to plan tours, beach trips, or cultural outings without shuffling your schedule month to month.
Sea Temperature and Coastal Conditions
Colombo’s coastal waters stay warm through the spring months, so swimming and water activities are always an option. Conditions shift a bit between March, April, and May, as both water temperature and rainfall play a role in your beach experience.
Average Sea Temperatures
The sea in Colombo keeps a steady warmth during spring. March averages about 84.8°F (29.3°C), April bumps up to 86.3°F (30.2°C), and May drops slightly to 85.3°F (29.6°C). It’s always above 80°F, so swimming feels comfortable all season.
Water temperature doesn’t really shift between day and night, so you’ll find the sea inviting whether you swim in the morning or evening. Colombo’s tropical climate keeps sea temps pretty stable compared to other coastal spots.
April brings the warmest water, so you might notice the air feels heavier and more humid. In May, even though the water stays warm, heavier rain can affect visibility and water clarity near the coast.
Best Times for Swimming
You can swim comfortably in Colombo all spring, but each month has its quirks. March is the sweet spot, with warm seas, moderate rain, and more sunny days. It’s probably the most reliable time for calm, clear water.
April heats up the sea even more, but also brings more clouds and showers. The water is great, but you’ll want to be ready for the occasional rain.
By May, the southwest monsoon starts to show its influence. Rain picks up, and sunny days become scarce. You can still swim, but expect rougher seas and less predictable conditions. If you want the safest and most relaxing swims, try to get in the water earlier in spring before the monsoon really kicks in.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
In spring, Colombo greets you with light to moderate breezes and steady air pressure. These conditions keep things warm but manageable, and daily shifts are pretty mild, so your outdoor plans won’t get thrown off much.
Typical Wind Speeds
Winds in Colombo usually stay gentle through most of spring. On average, they move at 1 to 2 meters per second (m/s), or about 2–4 miles per hour (mph).
You’ll notice the air often feels calm, with just a light breeze near the coast. February, March, and April tend to feel especially still, with many days barely reaching 1 m/s.
This can make the atmosphere feel humid and a bit heavy, especially when temperatures climb into the upper 80s °F (around 30–32 °C). By late April, breezes pick up a little as the seasons start to shift, but nothing too strong.
If you’re out walking, sightseeing, or eating outside, these light winds usually feel pleasant and don’t get in the way.
Quick reference:
- Average: 1–2 m/s (2–4 mph)
- Calmest months: February–April
- Effect: Humid, still air with mild relief near the coast
Air Pressure Trends
Colombo’s air pressure during spring stays pretty steady, with only small changes from day to day. You’ll usually see readings around 1008–1012 millibars (mb), which is pretty typical for a coastal city this close to the equator.
This kind of steady pressure keeps the weather fairly predictable. Sudden storms don’t really happen much during this time.
If rain shows up, it’s usually just a quick shower, not a long drawn-out system. Since the pressure stays stable, you can plan outdoor activities without too much worry.
People who are sensitive to pressure changes will probably feel fine, since there aren’t big swings that cause headaches or discomfort.
Key points:
- Range: 1008–1012 mb
- Pattern: Stable, minor daily variation
- Impact: Predictable weather, fewer sudden shifts
Travel Tips for Visiting Colombo in Spring
Spring in Colombo brings hot days, sticky humidity, and a bigger chance of rain as May gets closer. You’ll want to be ready for both sunny time outside and quick downpours, and try to keep comfort in mind.
Recommended Clothing
Daytime temperatures often stick between 30–32°C (86–90°F). Nights rarely drop below 24–26°C (75–79°F).
Light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen help you handle the heat. Because humidity stays high, clothes that dry fast come in handy.
A light rain jacket or umbrella is a must, especially in April and May when rain picks up.
Pick practical footwear. Sandals work for casual walks, but you’ll need closed shoes if you’re headed to markets or temples.
If you plan to visit religious sites, bring at least one outfit that covers your shoulders and knees.
A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen protect you from the midday sun. Carrying a small bag with extra clothes is smart in case you get caught in a sudden shower.
Outdoor Activities
Spring feels warm enough for the beach or a walk along the coast, with sea temperatures around 29–30°C (84–86°F). Swimming and water sports feel great, but check local conditions since rain can make the sea rough.
City tours and cultural visits work best in the morning or late afternoon, when it’s not so hot and sticky. Midday, especially in April, can feel pretty oppressive.
Parks and markets stay lively, but you’ll notice more clouds as spring goes on.
If you’re into photography, early March usually brings clearer skies. April and May, though, can give you those dramatic clouds.
Short day trips from Colombo are doable, but keep your plans flexible. Rain showers can slow down travel, so give yourself extra time if you’re heading outside the city.
Health and Safety Considerations
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, since sweat just lingers in humid air and you can get dehydrated faster than you’d think. Honestly, carrying bottled water around Colombo just makes life easier.
When it rains, mosquitoes seem to come out of nowhere. Use repellent and maybe throw on long sleeves in the evenings. Hotels usually hand out nets or coils, but honestly, bringing your own repellent for outdoor strolls is a smart move.
The air quality in Colombo usually feels fine, though heavy traffic sometimes turns certain spots into a bit of a smog zone. If you’re sensitive to that stuff, try to steer clear of busy roads during rush hour.
Most established restaurants do a good job with food safety, but street vendors can be hit or miss. Go for dishes that are freshly cooked, and if you’re not sure about the water, it’s probably best to skip the ice.
Check the weather forecast now and then. Sudden thunderstorms pop up a lot in late spring, and being ready for them just makes everything smoother.