Climate Overview
The climate in Dambulla is hot. The average annual temperature is 26°C and approximately 1736mm of precipitation falls per year. Dambulla receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Dambulla sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.
Temperature
Dambulla sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 20°C to 33°C. The warmest month is April, when average highs reach 33°C and the mean temperature sits around 27°C. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 20°C and an average of 24°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 8°C between highs and lows.
Precipitation
Dambulla is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 1736mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 145mm per month. The wettest month is November, averaging 344mm of rainfall. October and December also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is June, with just 41mm. That's 303mm 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.
Wind
Dambulla is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 17km/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 25km/h, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in April, with average winds dropping to 10km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind speeds vary significantly across the year, with a 15km/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 14km/h in winter, 13km/h in spring, 24km/h in summer, 16km/h in autumn.
Seasons
89 days until Summer
It is currently spring in Dambulla, which began on March 20, 2026. Dambulla 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 33°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in January near 20°C. Summer is next, beginning on June 21, 2026 — 89 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 21 to 33°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 418mm across the season with a monthly average of 139mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 13km/h. An umbrella or waterproof jacket is advisable as spring showers are frequent.
Summer
Temperatures range from 24 to 31°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 180mm for the season, averaging 60mm per month. Winds are moderate at around 24km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal — perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 22 to 31°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 759mm across the season with a monthly average of 253mm. Winds are moderate at around 16km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 20 to 29°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 380mm across the season with a monthly average of 127mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 14km/h. A light jacket or sweater is usually sufficient, though cooler evenings may call for an extra layer.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Dambulla is during January and February, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 24°C with modest rainfall averaging 86mm per month. By contrast, April can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 33°C. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely — pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Dambulla 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.