Nuwara Eliya Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Nuwara Eliya. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Now, let’s break down all the details for a clearer picture.

Nuwara Eliya is known for its substantial rainfall, with annual precipitation reaching 2028 mm.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)

The seasons in Nuwara Eliya, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, November, receives heavy rainfall, with an average of 298 mm of precipitation.

This rainfall is distributed across 16 rainy days. In contrast, the driest month, March, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 94 mm over 7 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.

November, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 26°C. The city receives 125 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month March you can expect a temperature of 29°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Nuwara Eliya Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in Sri Lanka

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.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Nuwara Eliya’s average annual precipitation is 2028 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

The climate in San Francisco, USA, is influenced by coastal weather, with 469 mm of rainfall mostly during the winter months.

Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.

Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, receives 1955 mm of annual rainfall, with a pronounced wet season from May to November, typical of its tropical monsoon climate.

How is Precipitation Measured?

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.

Sea vs. Land Precipitation

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.

For more detailed information about Nuwara Eliya’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Nuwara Eliya Climate page.