When to go · Colombo
Colombo in January
Great month. Driest and coolest month for the west coast; warm all the same.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Great
- Temperature
- 30° / 23°
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 6
- Crowds
- High
- Sri Lanka overall
- Prices
- High
- Sri Lanka overall
Verdict
Driest and coolest month for the west coast; warm all the same.
Weather in January
- ColomboHighs around 30 °C, lows around 23 °C, rain on about 6 days
- West and south coast, Sri Lanka · Colombo, Negombo, Bentota, Galle, Mirissabest weather
South-west monsoon May–Sep brings rough seas and red flags; October–November inter-monsoon storms are heavy in Colombo.
Dry season season
The most reliable weather window: warm, mostly dry, good for walking and the seafront.
Watch: Christmas and New Year crowds near Galle Face.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Duruthu Perahera (Kelaniya) check
January full moon · Kelaniya Temple, edge of Colombo
A major procession with elephants and dancers; crowds and road closures around the temple.
Christmas and New Year
Late Dec–early Jan
Hotels near Galle Face fill up; carol events and a countdown crowd on the seafront.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Sri Lanka overall
- High
- Prices · Sri Lanka overall
- High
Sri Lanka overall: Dry south-west coast and hills; peak season; the east is wet.
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen