Anuradhapura Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Anuradhapura, Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka. The numbers reflect climate data gathered over a 30-year period, from 1990 to 2020. Now, let's break down all the details for a clearer picture.
Anuradhapura experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 1203 mm (47 in) of precipitation annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Anuradhapura can be quite wet during November, receiving approximately 240 mm (9.4 in) of precipitation over 15 rainy days.
In contrast June, experiences much drier conditions, with 42 mm (1.7 in) of rainfall, spread across 5 rainy days.
November, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 31°C (88°F). During the driest month June you can expect a temperature of 34°C (93°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Anuradhapura Temperature page.
Daily Historical Precipitation
40-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in June
Explore Anuradhapura's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Anuradhapura 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
almost none
Anuradhapura vs World: Rainfall Compared
Anuradhapura's average annual precipitation is 1203 mm (47 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
In Toronto, Canada, annual precipitation averages 964 mm (38 in), with snowy winters and rainy summers.
Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm (59 in) of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.
In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm (39 in), making it wetter than Sydney.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm (100 in) of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.
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 Anuradhapura's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Anuradhapura Climate page.
