Jaffna Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Jaffna, Jaffna District, Sri Lanka. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Now, let's explore all the details to give you a full picture.
Jaffna has a relatively rainy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1182 mm (47 in) of rainfall annually. Despite the high annual total, it does experience a distinct dry and rainy season during certain months. Examine our detailed charts below to understand these seasonal patterns.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Jaffna can be quite wet during November, receiving approximately 313 mm (12 in) of precipitation over 12 rainy days.
In contrast March, experiences much drier conditions, with 27 mm (1.1 in) of rainfall, spread across 2 rainy days.
November, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 29°C (84°F). During the driest month March you can expect a temperature of 31°C (88°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Jaffna Temperature page.
Explore Jaffna's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Jaffna spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Sri Lanka: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Sri Lanka. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
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Jaffna vs World: Rainfall Compared
Jaffna's average annual precipitation is 1182 mm (47 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Seville, Spain, experiences 541 mm (21 in) of rainfall annually, with wet winters and dry summers typical of southern Spain.
Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm (59 in) of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.
Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm (27 in) of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, receives 1955 mm (77 in) of annual rainfall, with a pronounced wet season from May to November, typical of its tropical monsoon climate.
Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.
Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.
The proximity of a location to a large body of water can significantly affect its rainfall patterns:
- Ocean Influence: Coastal regions typically receive more rainfall due to the presence of moisture-laden winds from the ocean. These regions tend to have more humid climates and experience more frequent precipitation, especially in winter.
- Continental Climates: Areas further from the sea, such as inland or continental regions, experience less frequent rainfall and more extreme seasonal variations in precipitation.
- Mawsynram in India is noted as being the wettest place on earth, with over 11 meters (36 feet) of rain falling every year.
- In contrast, Antofagasta in Chile is among the driest places on the planet, getting less than 0.1mm (0.004 inches) per year, with some years recording virtually no rainfall.
- Nearly 1,650 thunderstorm cells are estimated over the planet at any given time.
For more detailed information about Jaffna's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Jaffna Climate page.
