Minneriya Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Minneriya, Polonnaruwa District, Sri Lanka. The numbers reflect climate data gathered over a 30-year period, from 1990 to 2020. Now, let's explore all the details to give you a full picture.

Minneriya is known for its substantial rainfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1184 mm (47 in). While the overall climate is wet, there are notable seasonal patterns that create interesting contrasts, as demonstrated in our graph below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

The seasons in Minneriya, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, November, receives heavy rainfall, with an average of 244 mm (9.6 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 15 rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month, June, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 23 mm (0.9 in) over 7 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.

November, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 31°C (88°F). The city receives 168 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month June you can expect a temperature of 35°C (95°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Minneriya 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.

Minneriya vs World: Rainfall Compared

Minneriya's average annual precipitation is 1184 mm (47 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Chicago, USA, sees an annual precipitation of 1062 mm (42 in), with rain and snow contributing to its humid climate.

In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.

In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm (60 in), with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.

Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm (102 in) of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.

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