Kandy Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Kandy, Kandy District, Sri Lanka. This average is based on long-term data collected between 1990 and 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.

Kandy has a notably wet climate with abundant precipitation, recording 1969 mm (78 in) of rainfall per year. It does, however, have a distinct rainy season during certain months. Have a look at our detailed charts below to see how precipitation varies throughout the year.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

Kandy can be quite wet during November, receiving approximately 322 mm (13 in) of precipitation over 16 rainy days.

In contrast February, experiences much drier conditions, with 99 mm (3.9 in) of rainfall, spread across 5 rainy days.

November, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 28°C (82°F). The city receives 125 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month February you can expect a temperature of 29°C (84°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Kandy Temperature page.

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.

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Legend heavy rainfall high moderate low almost none

Heavy annual rainfall has been defined as more than 1000 mm (39 in) precipitation. High: 600 mm (24 in) to 1000 mm (39 in). Moderate: 250 mm (9.8 in) to 600 mm (24 in). Low: less than 250 mm (9.8 in).

Kandy vs World: Rainfall Compared

Kandy's average annual precipitation is 1969 mm (78 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

New York City, USA, receives 1276 mm (50 in) of rainfall annually, with precipitation evenly distributed throughout the year.

Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm (39 in) of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.

In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm (39 in), making it wetter than Sydney.

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.

Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Kandy:

• Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
• Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.

• "Ginger" was the longest-lasting Atlantic tropical storm, which spun around the open ocean for 28 days in 1971.
• The world's largest snowflake was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, at 38 cm (15 inches) wide and 20 cm (7.9 inches) thick. The snowflake fell at Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, on 28 January 1887.
• The greatest snowfall recorded was on Mt. Rainier, Washington State, USA—over 31.5 meters (103 feet) fell during the winter of 1972.

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