Puttalam Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Puttalam, Puttalam District, Sri Lanka. This average is based on long-term data collected between 1990 and 2020. Now, let's break down all the details for a clearer picture.

Puttalam has a relatively rainy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1389 mm (55 in) of rainfall annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Puttalam can be quite wet during November, receiving approximately 259 mm (10 in) of precipitation over 14 rainy days.

In contrast February, experiences much drier conditions, with 44 mm (1.7 in) of rainfall, spread across 4 rainy days.

November, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 31°C (88°F). During the driest month February you can expect a temperature of 32°C (90°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Puttalam 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.

Annual

Annual

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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).

Puttalam vs World: Rainfall Compared

Puttalam's average annual precipitation is 1389 mm (55 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

The city of Rome, Italy, has an average annual precipitation of 832 mm (33 in), spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

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

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

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

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.

Rainy Seasons: Many parts of the world have well-defined wet seasons where precipitation is distinctly higher. These are normally accompanied by lush vegetation and temperature patterns.

Dry Seasons: In areas where the climate is either desert or Mediterranean, the amount of precipitation is drastically reduced, leading to a shortage of water and arid conditions.

Interesting weather facts

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

Current rainfall in Puttalam

10-Day Forecast