Sri Lanka Weather Radar

Sri Lanka climate

Sri Lanka enjoys a tropical climate moderated by ocean winds and considerable moisture from the Indian Ocean. Coastal lowlands maintain average temperatures between 26°C and 30°C year-round, while the central highlands around Nuwara Eliya can drop to 10°C at night, offering a refreshing contrast to the island's equatorial warmth.

The island receives rainfall from two distinct monsoon seasons: the Yala monsoon (southwest) from May to September drenches the western and southern coasts, while the Maha monsoon (northeast) from October to January brings rain to the northern and eastern regions. This dual monsoon pattern means there is almost always a dry coast to visit regardless of the time of year.

The central highlands act as a climatic barrier, creating dramatically different weather conditions on opposite sides of the island. The southwestern wet zone receives over 2,500 mm of rain annually and supports dense tropical rainforests, while the dry zone in the north and east receives less than 1,250 mm and features scrubland and deciduous forests adapted to seasonal drought.