Climate Insights for Anuradhapura

The climate in Anuradhapura is hot. The average annual temperature is 27°C and approximately 1392mm of precipitation falls per year. Anuradhapura receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Anuradhapura sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.

Anuradhapura sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 22°C to 34°C. The warmest month is April, when average highs reach 34°C and the mean temperature sits around 29°C. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 22°C and an average of 25°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 8°C between highs and lows.

Anuradhapura is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 1392mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 116mm per month. The wettest month is November, averaging 335mm of rainfall. October and May also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is February, with just 37mm. That's 297mm less than November, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.

Anuradhapura is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 13km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is June, averaging 20km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in April, with average winds dropping to 7km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind speeds vary significantly across the year, with a 13km/h difference between the calmest and windiest months. This level of variation is worth factoring into travel plans. Wind tends to pick up during the summer months. The seasonal averages are 10km/h in winter, 10km/h in spring, 19km/h in summer, 12km/h in autumn.

It is currently autumn in Anuradhapura, which began on September 23, 2026. Anuradhapura sits near the equator, so the traditional four-season cycle is less pronounced. Temperatures remain relatively stable year-round. The warmest period peaks in April at around 34°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in January near 22°C. Winter is next, beginning on December 21, 2026 (87 days from now).

The table below shows monthly climate averages for Anuradhapura based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.