Anuradhapura Temperatures: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
On this page, we’ll explore Anuradhapura’s temperature statistics in detail, including day and night variations and monthly averages. We’ll also compare the annual temperature to other cities in Sri Lanka.
Monthly Temperature Averages
With little seasonal fluctuation, Anuradhapura offers a predictable and steady climate. Typically, maximum daytime temperatures range from a very hot 35°C in March to a very warm 30°C in the coolest month, January. Nights are cooler, with temperatures generally dropping to 22°C, particularly during the colder months.
The chart below illustrates the average maximum day and minimum night temperatures in Anuradhapura by month:
The minimum temperature is often recorded between 4 AM and 6 AM, while the highest temperature is usually reached at 3 PM. During this time the sun's heating effect is the strongest.
The chart below shows the average temperature throughout the year:
January, the city’s coldest month, receives about 73 mm of rainfall spread over roughly 5 days. For more information, please visit our Anuradhapura Precipitation page.
Annual Temperatures in Sri Lanka Compared
The map below shows the annual temperature across Sri Lanka. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
very warm
warm
pleasant
moderate
cold
very cold
Anuradhapura Temperatures Compared World Wide
Anuradhapura’s average annual maximum temperature is 33°C. Let’s compare this with some popular tourist destinations:
Athens, Greece, experiences an average annual temperature of 23°C, with hot summers and mild winters typical of a Mediterranean climate.
Interlaken, Switzerland, the average annual temperature is significantly lower at 8°C, with mild summers and very cold winters.
Boston, USA, experiences seasonal shifts similar to New York, with an average annual temperature of 16°C.
Melbourne, Australia, has a slightly cooler climate, with an average annual temperature of 20°C.
How are these Temperatures Measured?
Generally, temperature data depicting climate is usually given over a 30-year average in order to reduce short-term fluctuations and reveal better long-term trends in climate conditions.
This temperature data is taken from land-based thermometers, ocean buoys, ships, and satellites. These measurements are transmitted to weather stations and climate centers around the globe where they are processed, averaged, and analyzed in order to monitor the trends and create climate models.
Temperatures in the Mountains
Although not all regions have mountains, elevated areas exhibit distinct temperature variations.
- Sun Exposure: Sunlit slopes tend to be warmer, while shaded areas remain cooler.
- Altitude Effects: Temperatures drop by approximately 6°C for every 1,000 meters of elevation, creating distinct microclimates.
For more detailed information about Anuradhapura’s weather, including monthly rainfall, sunshine hours, and humidity levels, visit our Anuradhapura climate page.
Current temperature in Anuradhapura
3 m/s
partly cloudy and small chance of rain
2 m/s
almost clear and no rain
1 m/s
partly cloudy and no rain
