Colombo Weather in January

Colombo in January sees very high daytime temperatures of 32°C (90°F) and nighttime lows of 24°C (75°F). With just 71 mm (2.8 in) of rainfall on average, it's the driest month of the year.

Rainfall in Colombo in January

You can expect the least amount of rain of the year this month, making it perfect for outdoor events and activities. Historically, the month has about 5 days of rain, averaging 71 mm (2.8 in) in total. When rain does fall this month, it tends to come down hard. The low number of rain days makes each shower more significant.

Temperature in Colombo in January

If you're visiting Colombo in January, expect highs of 32°C (90°F) and overnight lows around 24°C (75°F). Mornings and evenings are often more comfortable than the peak afternoon hours. With overnight lows of 24°C (75°F), evenings and nights remain warm. Light clothing and an open window or fan can help you sleep comfortably.

Sunshine in Colombo in January

Expect sunny days throughout the month, with an estimated 248 hours of sunshine. This makes it a pleasant time to visit Colombo.

Wind Speed in Colombo in January

Wind speeds average 2 m/s (4 knots) during January. At this speed, expect light breezes that you can feel on your face and cause leaves to rustle gently. Since this is an average, some days are calmer with barely any wind while others have more noticeable gentle breezes.

Average water temperature in January

With water at 28°C (82°F), you can expect warm, pleasant conditions for any water activity. There's no adjustment period — it feels comfortable straight away.

If you favor pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall, January is one of the best months to visit Colombo.

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
• April

• May
• June
• July
• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Sri Lanka, check out our Colombo's climate page.

Colombo Temperature in January

Min Temperature 24°C (75°F)  

Max Temperature 32°C (90°F)  

Water Temperature 28°C (82°F)  

Chance of Rain 16%  

Precipitation 71 mm (2.8 in)  

Rainy days 5 days  

Humidity 70%  

Windspeed 2 m/s (4 knots)  

Sunshine 248 hours  

Percentage Sunshine  

Daily Historical Temperatures

48-year average (1976-2026)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Colombo typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 32°C (90°F). Nights are warm, with lows around 23°C (73°F).

Average temperatures in January

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‹ January February March April May June July August September October November December ›

Daily Historical Precipitation

48-year average (1976-2026)

Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.

Average precipitation in January

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Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

‹ January February March April May June July August September October November December ›

Historical weather for Colombo in January

Browse day-by-day weather records for Colombo spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Historical weather Temperatures Precipitation

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‹ January February March April May June July August September October November December ›

Colombo historical weather extremes in January

According to our 24 years of weather records for Colombo, the following extremes were recorded between 2001 and 2025.

• Colombo recorded its highest January temperature of 38°C (100°F) on January 12, 2023.
• The lowest daytime temperature in January was 25°C (77°F), recorded on January 9, 2011.
• The lowest overnight temperature recorded in January was 17°C (63°F) (January 25, 2006).

What to Wear in Colombo in January

Warm temperatures in January make for comfortable sightseeing weather. Pack breathable fabrics like cotton shirts, knee-length shorts or skirts, and comfortable walking shoes. A thin long sleeve for indoor spaces is handy. Rain gear is recommended, you can expect wet weather on multiple days. With water temperatures around 28°C (82°F), swimming conditions are excellent. Pack your swimsuit, goggles, and maybe some water shoes. Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.

What To Do in Colombo in January

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

Swimming

9/10

Cycling

7/10

Walking

7/10

Camping

8/10

Outdoor sports

7/10

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
• April

• May
• June
• July
• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Sri Lanka, check out our Colombo's climate page.

More climate data for Colombo

Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp

See the full Colombo climate overview or explore weather in Sri Lanka.