When you picture winter in Colombo, Sri Lanka, you might expect cooler air and sharp seasonal changes. Instead, you get a tropical climate that’s warm and humid, with only slight shifts in temperature and rainfall.
Daytime highs usually sit around the upper 80s °F (about 30–31°C), and nights rarely fall below the mid-70s °F (around 24°C).
Between December and February, the city enjoys some of its driest and sunniest months. This stretch often feels like the most comfortable time to explore.
Humidity stays high, but with less rain and clearer skies, outdoor activities, sightseeing, and beach days become much more pleasant.
Winter in Colombo brings steady daylight hours and calm sea temperatures. You also get fewer wet days compared to other times of the year.
This combination of warmth and lower rainfall creates a season that’s way less intense than the monsoon months. It’s a pretty reliable window to enjoy the city at its best.
Overview of Winter Weather in Colombo
Winter in Colombo means steady warmth, humid air, and noticeably less rainfall than the wetter months. You’ll find tropical conditions that change only a little in temperature, clouds, or wind.
Typical Temperature Range
During winter, daytime highs in Colombo usually hover near 88°F (31°C). Temperatures rarely drop below 84°F (29°C) or climb above 92°F (33°C).
Nights stay warm, with lows around 75°F (24°C). The afternoons often feel steady, while mornings and evenings cool off just a bit.
Colombo doesn’t get those sharp swings between day and night that you might see elsewhere. The coldest stretch usually lands in mid-January, when lows reach about 74°F (23°C).
Even then, it’s still comfortable for being outside. Compared to April, which gets pretty hot, winter feels a little milder but definitely tropical.
Rainfall Patterns During Winter
Rainfall drops sharply through the winter months in Colombo. At the start of the season, you might see around 6.6 inches (168 mm) of rain in a 31-day stretch.
By late February, that falls to about 1.8 inches (46 mm). The chance of a wet day drops from roughly 52% in December to 21% by late February.
Rain usually shows up as short, heavy showers instead of long storms. As winter moves forward, these showers become even less frequent, so you get more dry days and clearer skies.
If you’re not a fan of rain, February is the month for you—it’s the driest.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Humidity in Colombo stays high all winter. Expect muggy conditions on about 95–97% of days with barely any change from December to February.
The air feels moist day and night, so light clothing is a must. Winds ease up as winter goes on.
Average speeds drop from about 9 mph (14 km/h) in early December to 6–7 mph (10–11 km/h) by late February.
Winds mostly come from the north, especially early in January. Breezes give some relief from the humidity, but they’re usually gentle, so the weather feels calm and steady.
Monthly Breakdown: December to February
During winter, Colombo sticks with warm, humid weather and only tiny shifts in temperature. Rainfall patterns change a bit, but you’ll still see occasional showers mixed with lots of sunshine.
December Conditions
December brings warm days with average highs near 30°C (86°F) and nighttime lows around 23°C (73°F). Humidity stays high, so the air can feel heavy.
Rainfall starts to drop off compared to the monsoon peaks. You’ll get around 150–175 mm of rain spread over several days.
Showers usually pop up in quick bursts, often in the afternoon or evening. Daylight lasts close to 12 hours, so there’s plenty of time for outdoor plans.
Sunshine averages about 6–7 hours per day, though clouds can be pretty common. The sea is warm at about 28°C (82°F), making beach trips easy.
You should still expect the occasional wet afternoon, but December is a solid month for sightseeing.
January Weather Details
January brings some of Colombo’s most stable weather. Daytime highs reach about 31°C (88°F), and nights cool a bit to 22–23°C (72–73°F).
The heat feels steady but not overwhelming. Rainfall drops lower than December, averaging 60–100 mm for the month.
Showers don’t show up as often, and you’ll get long dry stretches. January is great for outdoor activities.
With 7–8 hours of sunshine daily, the skies brighten up compared to earlier in the season. Humidity stays high, but coastal breezes help keep things from feeling too sticky.
UV levels are strong, so bring sun protection even when clouds are around. Sea conditions stay calm, and the water feels perfect for swimming or boating.
February Climate Trends
By February, Colombo keeps its warm tropical vibe. Daytime temperatures average 31–32°C (88–90°F), and nights settle near 23°C (73°F).
There’s barely any change from day to night. Rainfall stays light, usually around 70–90 mm.
Showers become rare, and plenty of days pass without a drop. Sunshine hours climb to about 8 per day, so afternoons get brighter.
Humidity is still up there, but the lighter rain makes it easier to handle. The Indian Ocean stays warm, with sea temperatures near 28°C (82°F).
If you want predictable weather and fewer rainy interruptions, February is a top pick for travel in Colombo.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine in Winter
Daylight in Colombo barely changes during winter. You’ll only notice small shifts in how long the sun’s out.
What really varies is the number of hours of direct sunshine, and that can totally affect outdoor plans or just how bright the city feels.
Average Daylight Duration
Colombo sits close to the equator, so daylight hours don’t swing much through the year.
During winter, you get about 11.7 to 11.9 hours of daylight each day. The sun usually rises around 6:15 AM and sets close to 6:15 PM.
There’s only a tiny difference from month to month. This steady daylight makes it easy to plan your day without worrying about the sun disappearing early.
Unlike places farther north, you won’t see big changes in daylight between December, January, and February. The day length stays steady, which is nice if you like predictable routines.
Sunshine Hours by Month
While daylight stays steady, sunshine hours bounce around depending on clouds and rain. On average, January gives you about 7.3 hours of sun per day, which is a bit less than the yearly average.
By February, skies usually clear up more, and you get 7.5 to 8 hours of sunshine daily. December tends to be cloudier, with about 6.5 to 7 hours per day.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Avg Daily Sunshine | Total Monthly Sunshine |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~6.5–7 hrs | ~200–215 hrs |
| January | ~7.3 hrs | ~225–230 hrs |
| February | ~7.5–8 hrs | ~215–225 hrs |
Even in the cloudier winter days, Colombo still offers several hours of direct sunlight. This mix of steady daylight and decent sunshine keeps outdoor sightseeing pretty reliable any time of year.
Sea Temperatures and Coastal Weather
Colombo’s coastline stays warm all winter, with sea temperatures that make swimming and water sports comfortable.
Coastal weather brings a blend of sunny days and the occasional shower, so you can usually plan outdoor time without much worry.
Winter Sea Temperature Averages
In December, January, and February, the sea around Colombo averages between 28.0°C and 28.6°C (82°F to 83°F). These numbers barely shift, so you can count on stable water warmth.
The Laccadive Sea rarely drops below 27°C, even at night. That means swimming, snorkeling, or other water activities almost always feel pleasant.
| Month | Avg. Sea Temp (°C) |
|---|---|
| December | 28.6°C |
| January | 28.0°C |
| February | 28.3°C |
Colombo doesn’t see big seasonal drops in sea temperature during winter. The steady warmth makes the city’s beaches a solid choice for anyone looking for mild coastal conditions.
Beach and Outdoor Activity Conditions
Colombo’s coastal weather in winter pairs daytime highs around 30–31°C with sea breezes that cut the heat. Nights average about 24°C, so evening walks along the shore are comfortable.
Rainfall is lighter than in other seasons. January and February usually see fewer than 7 rainy days each.
December is a bit wetter, with about 11 rainy days, but showers don’t last long. Sunshine is more common in January and February, with up to 16 sunny days per month.
These months are honestly the best for beach trips, boat rides, and outdoor meals by the ocean. You can expect calm, warm seas and steady daylight hours of about 11.7 to 12 hours.
That gives you plenty of time for activities on or near the water.
Best Time to Visit Colombo in Winter
Colombo’s winter months bring warm temperatures, less rain, and calmer weather than the rest of the year.
It’s easier to get outside, check out cultural sights, and enjoy the city’s coastline without constant weather hassles.
Why January and February Are Ideal
January and February are usually the driest months in Colombo. Rainfall typically sits between 70–85 mm, spread over just a few days.
That’s a big drop from the monsoon months, which can bring more than 300 mm in a month. Daytime temperatures average around 27–28 °C (81–82 °F), with highs near 32 °C.
Nights stay mild, rarely dipping below 23 °C. The steady temperatures mean you won’t deal with sudden heat waves or cold snaps.
You’ll also get 7–8 hours of sunshine per day, which is more than during the rainy season. Sea temperatures hold at 27–28 °C, so swimming is always an option.
Humidity sticks around, but it’s less intense than in April or May. Winds are light, usually under 10 kph, so conditions feel calm for walking or sightseeing.
Travel Tips for Winter Visits
Pack light cotton clothing to stay cool. You might want a light jacket for evenings, since coastal breezes can make it feel cooler.
Comfortable shoes are a good idea for exploring Colombo’s markets, temples, and old colonial sites. Plan outdoor activities like visiting Galle Face Green, Gangaramaya Temple, or the National Museum in the morning or late afternoon when the sun isn’t as strong.
Festivals like Duruthu Poya in January and Thai Pongal in mid-January bring big crowds and cultural events. These can make your visit more interesting, though you might run into heavier traffic in parts of the city.
If you’re planning to swim, the sea is usually calm, but always check local conditions first. Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated—humidity can still sneak up on you, even in the “cooler” season.
How Winter Compares to Other Seasons in Colombo
Winter in Colombo stays warm, but it stands out from the rest of the year with less rain, slightly cooler nights, and steadier weather. You’ll notice fewer wet days and more comfortable conditions than during the monsoon.
Differences in Rainfall and Humidity
During winter, Colombo gets noticeably drier. The city leaves behind the heavy rains of May–September and October–November.
You might catch a few showers in December, but by February, average rainfall drops to less than 2 inches a month. Winter actually turns into one of the driest stretches of the year.
The chance of rain falls fast, starting at over 50% in early December and sliding down to about 20% by February. Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon can dump more than 12 inches of rain in just one month—quite a difference, isn’t it?
Humidity sticks around all year, usually hovering between 70–90%. Still, winter somehow feels a bit more bearable.
Ocean breezes along the coast take the edge off, especially when you think back to the muggy pre-monsoon months like April and May.
Even though the air stays pretty humid, lower rainfall and steadier skies make it a lot easier to get outside and actually enjoy yourself.
Temperature Variations Throughout the Year
Colombo’s temperatures don’t really swing much from season to season, but even small changes can matter. In winter, the daily highs usually sit around 84–88°F (29–31°C), and the lows hover near 74–76°F (23–24°C).
Nights get a bit cooler in January, which tends to be the mildest month.
April rolls in as the warmest time of year. Highs often reach 90°F (32°C), and nighttime temperatures stay up around 78°F (26°C).
That might not sound like a huge jump, but honestly, the extra heat and humidity in April can make things feel stickier than they do in January.
Colombo’s spot on the coast keeps temperatures pretty steady, unlike inland Sri Lanka where the mountain air can really shake things up.
You’ll find warm weather year-round, though winter usually brings the nicest mix of temperature, humidity, and rainfall.