Colombo

Colombo District Weather in January

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Colombo District, Sri Lanka in January.

Considering a trip to Colombo District, Sri Lanka this January and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in Colombo District in January

Colombo District, Sri Lanka is a region in Sri Lanka. January in Colombo District generally has very warm temperatures, with precipitation levels ranging from moderate to high.

Temperatures

You can expect very warm maximum daytime temperatures of around 32°C (90°F) and nighttime temperatures around 24°C (75°F) in Colombo. These night and day temperatures are average and some days may be even warmer. So be prepared and dress for the heat.

To learn more about the conditions in specific areas of Colombo District, Sri Lanka, check out the map below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate rainfall in Colombo with an average of 71 mm (2.8 in) to high rainfall in Avissawella with 156 mm (6.1 in). Going by our weather data, this month in Colombo usually has the least rain, making it the driest month of the year.

Average sunshine

Plenty of sunshine can be expected in numerous places in January. Colombo typically receives 248 hours of sunlight, making it ideal for those seeking sunny weather.

Explore Colombo District by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Colombo District — and find the best time to visit. (based on Colombo)

Best Places to Visit in Colombo District in January

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Colombo District.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in Colombo District

What is the weather like in January for some of the most popular destinations in Colombo District, Sri Lanka?

Temperature range in Colombo District (January)

Precipitation variation in Colombo District (January)

Colombo

In January Colombo generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 32°C (90°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 24°C (75°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
31°C (88°F)
32°C (90°F)
33°C (91°F)
Min temperature
24°C (75°F)
24°C (75°F)
25°C (77°F)
Monthly sun hours
217 hours
248 hours
246 hours
Monthly rainfall
185 mm (7.3 in)
71 mm (2.8 in)
78 mm (3.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
10 days
5 days
5 days
Weather conditions

Mount Lavinia

In January Mount Lavinia generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 32°C (90°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 24°C (75°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
31°C (88°F)
32°C (90°F)
32°C (90°F)
Min temperature
24°C (75°F)
24°C (75°F)
25°C (77°F)
Monthly sun hours
217 hours
248 hours
246 hours
Monthly rainfall
191 mm (7.5 in)
76 mm (3 in)
82 mm (3.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
10 days
5 days
5 days
Weather conditions

Dehiwala

In January Dehiwala generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 32°C (90°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 24°C (75°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
31°C (88°F)
32°C (90°F)
32°C (90°F)
Min temperature
24°C (75°F)
24°C (75°F)
25°C (77°F)
Monthly sun hours
217 hours
248 hours
246 hours
Monthly rainfall
189 mm (7.4 in)
74 mm (2.9 in)
81 mm (3.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
10 days
5 days
5 days
Weather conditions

Nugegoda

In January Nugegoda generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 32°C (90°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 24°C (75°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
31°C (88°F)
32°C (90°F)
33°C (91°F)
Min temperature
24°C (75°F)
24°C (75°F)
24°C (75°F)
Monthly sun hours
217 hours
248 hours
246 hours
Monthly rainfall
190 mm (7.5 in)
75 mm (3 in)
82 mm (3.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
10 days
5 days
5 days
Weather conditions

Boralesgamuwa

In January Boralesgamuwa generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 32°C (90°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 24°C (75°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
31°C (88°F)
32°C (90°F)
33°C (91°F)
Min temperature
24°C (75°F)
24°C (75°F)
24°C (75°F)
Monthly sun hours
217 hours
248 hours
246 hours
Monthly rainfall
194 mm (7.6 in)
79 mm (3.1 in)
85 mm (3.3 in)
Monthly rainy days
10 days
5 days
5 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Colombo District, in Sri Lanka.

In our records: Sri Lanka January extremes

Notable January records observed across cities in Sri Lanka in our climate database (1995 – 2026). Historic readings can vary in quality, so treat these as illustrative.

  • Based on our data, the coldest January night in Sri Lanka dropped to -2°C (28°F) in Bentota on January 1, 2020.

Popular cities in January

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Colombo District in January.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Colombo 32°C (90°F) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mount Lavinia 32°C (90°F) 24°C (75°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Dehiwala 32°C (90°F) 24°C (75°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nugegoda 32°C (90°F) 24°C (75°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Boralesgamuwa 32°C (90°F) 24°C (75°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte 32°C (90°F) 24°C (75°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)

Colombo District weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Colombo District, Sri Lanka in January?

January in Colombo District, Sri Lanka brings tolerable weather. In Colombo, daytime temperatures are typically around 32°C (90°F) and nighttime lows hover near 24°C (75°F).

What is the average temperature in Colombo District, Sri Lanka in January?

Average temperatures in Colombo District, Sri Lanka during January range from a nighttime low near 24°C (75°F) to a daytime high around 32°C (90°F) in Colombo.

Does Colombo District, Sri Lanka get a lot of rain in January?

January is on the drier side in Colombo District, Sri Lanka. Colombo averages only about 71 mm (2.8 in), with most days staying dry.

Is January a Good Time to Visit Colombo District, Sri Lanka?

We consider January to be one of the best times to travel to Colombo District, Sri Lanka. Typically, the climate in Colombo is pleasant. However, the weather conditions may vary depending on your destination.

Generally speaking, January provides tolerable weather in Colombo. On the other hand, the months of April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December tend to have poor weather conditions.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Colombo District.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Sri Lanka? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Sri Lanka.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

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