Hikkaduwa Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Hikkaduwa, Galle District, Sri Lanka. This average is based on long-term data collected between 1990 and 2020. Now, let’s explore all the details to give you a full picture.

Hikkaduwa has a notably wet climate with abundant precipitation, recording 2561 mm of rainfall per year.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Hikkaduwa can be quite wet during May, receiving approximately 315 mm of precipitation over 12 rainy days.

In contrast February, experiences much drier conditions, with 72 mm of rainfall, spread across 5 rainy days.

May, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 30°C. The city receives 200 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month February you can expect a temperature of 30°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Hikkaduwa 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

Hikkaduwa’s average annual precipitation is 2561 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

New York City, USA, receives 1276 mm of rainfall annually, with precipitation evenly distributed throughout the year.

Beijing, China, receives 560 mm of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.

Perth, Australia, receives 565 mm of rainfall annually, mostly during the winter months.

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 Hikkaduwa’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Hikkaduwa Climate page.