Colombo Holiday Weather Overview
Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka, in southern Asia, and is located on the west coast of the island. The capital city draws together all the colours and cultures of the island nation, which makes it a fantastic place to visit.
The historic centre of Colombo is Fort, the main business district of the city.
Things to do and see in Colombo
Gangaramaya Temple is one the most important temples in the city and stands out from what you might expect as it incorporates a mix of modern architecture with the traditional Buddhist essence. The site has a library, museum and is littered with gifts from devotees over the years, so there is plenty to see here.
It is believed Buddha visited the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara on his third visit to Sri Lanka. The original temple was destroyed by Indian invaders and has since been restored twice more.
The National Museum of Colombo is Sri Lanka’s national museum and one of only two museums in the city. The first thing you will encounter is a 9th century Buddha and it only signals the start of the story of Sri Lanka’s ancient past as you move through the galleries.
If you’re a sports fan, Colombo is the home to the oldest and finest Golf club in Sri Lanka. The Royal Colombo Golf Club requires a reservation to play and caddies are compulsory. The enforced dress code will make this an exquisite game of golf you won’t forget.
Best food and places to eat in Colombo
The Gallery Café combines art and gastronomy in a very successful way. Within the dining room, guests can view a rotating selection of local artists while being served authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. The prawn curry with sautéed kankun comes highly recommended, as do the cocktails.
Nihonbashi adds some Japanese flare to Colombo’s food scene. The restaurant itself is designed like a Zen garden and the food is beautifully simplistic bringing out the best in sashimi and sushi.
One of Colombo’s most exclusive restaurants, Curry Leaf embodies the traditional fare of the island nation. Visitors are able to observe the cooking techniques themselves as they dine.
Seafood is one of Sri Lanka’s best elements of its food scene, so Seafood Cove’s rustic setting on the beach front is the perfect place to experience it.
What languages are spoken in Colombo?
As part of Sri Lanka, the official languages spoken in Colombo are Sinhala and Tamil. The main foreign language of the country is English.
What currency is used in Colombo?
The currency used in Colombo is the Sri Lankan Rupee. For the best exchange rates, it is advised you organise your money before your trip.
Top hotels in Colombo
Casa Colombo may be slightly outside the main tourist district but its relaxed, luxury atmosphere draws guests. With a pink pool and neon lighting in the bedroom, it may not be for everyone but it is a hotel you won’t forget.
In central Colombo you will find the Kingsbury Hotel facing the Laccadive Sea. It has its own rooftop bar and is close by to many boutiques and restaurants.
Located along Marine Drive, The Ocean Colombo is modern hotel just 1km away from Majestic Shopping Centre. It offers free parking and has wonderful panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
Highbury Colombo offers stylish apartments set within a green environment for complete relaxation. Each is equipped with a balcony and private bathroom.
When is the best month to visit Colombo?
Visiting during the dry season is considered the best time to see Colombo. Temperatures can get quite high during this period, so the best time of the day to go sightseeing is in the morning or evening.
Climate in Colombo
The weather in Colombo is fairly temperate throughout the year, similar to the climate in southern India, in that it experiences two monsoons and a dry season. From December to March the weather remains fairly dry.
The average temperature in Colombo is 28ºC and the maximum temperature is 31ºC. The temperature drops down to an average of 22ºC between November and March. The humidity is very high in Colombo and rainfall fluctuates depending on the dry and wet seasons.
Monsoon Seasons in Colombo
The monsoon seasons take place in two phases - May to August and October to January. These seasons play an important role in agricultural growth. In May, Colombo experiences its highest level of precipitation. The average temperature remains at about 28ºC, which is the average temperature all through the year.
Rainfall during this period is highest in May and June and begins to get lower in the middle months of July and August.
Dry Season in Colombo
In Colombo, dry season is a hot and humid lasting from December to March, with an average temperature at around 27ºC. The lowest rainfall level occurs during February. The highest temperatures are reached in February and March, when it can reach up to 36ºC.
What to pack and wear in Colombo?
As the weather in Colombo can be hot during the dry season, wear lightweight, cotton clothes such as shorts and T-shirts for a comfortable visit.
If you are planning on visiting temples, out of respect for the local traditions, wear clothing that covers your shoulders, chest and knees.
Sun glasses and sun cream should also be packed to protect from the bright sun.
If you are planning on visiting during a wet season, make sure to bring with you suitable waterproof clothing as only an umbrella may not be enough during the heavy downfalls.
Best months to visit Colombo?
January and February are the best month to go for holiday or travel to Colombo. The weather averages gathered from Colombo weather forecast and Colombo weather history also forecast these months temperature to be around 31°c and average of 246.2667 hours of sunshine in a month.
Coldest months of Colombo?
January and February are the coldest months with temperature at around 23°c.
Which months receive most rainfall in Colombo?
May and October receive most rainfall with precipitation count of 429.88mm.
Travelling to Colombo? Check out our Weather averages of Colombo to better plan your holiday or travel.
If you would just like to know what the weather was for a past dates for research or education or you are just curious then visit our historical weather of Colombo section.