Climate Insights for Dambulla
Matale District, Central Province, Sri Lanka
Climate Overview
The climate in Dambulla is hot. The average annual temperature is 26°C and approximately 1,772 mm 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.The climate in Dambulla is hot. The average annual temperature is 79°F and approximately 69.8 in 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.Dambulla sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 68°F to 91°F. The warmest month is April, when average highs reach 91°F and the mean temperature sits around 81°F. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 68°F and an average of 74°F. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 14°F between highs and lows.
Precipitation
Dambulla is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 1,772 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 148 mm per month. The wettest month is November, averaging 375 mm of rainfall. October and December also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is June, with just 43 mm. That's 331 mm 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.Dambulla is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 69.8 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 5.8 in per month. The wettest month is November, averaging 14.8 in of rainfall. October and December also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is June, with just 1.7 in. That's 13 in 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 relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 12km/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 19km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in April, with average winds dropping to 6km/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 9km/h in winter, 9km/h in spring, 19km/h in summer, 11km/h in autumn.Dambulla is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 7mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is June, averaging 12mph, which can feel quite blustery and may affect outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in April, with average winds dropping to 4mph, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind speeds vary significantly across the year, with a 8mph 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 6mph in winter, 6mph in spring, 12mph in summer, 7mph in autumn.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Dambulla is during February, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 24°C with modest rainfall averaging 67 mm per month. By contrast, April can be uncomfortably hot with highs reaching 33°C, while January is the coldest period with lows dropping to 20°C. A light rain jacket is recommended, though showers are generally brief and shouldn't disrupt your plans.The best time to visit Dambulla is during February, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 76°F with modest rainfall averaging 2.6 in per month. By contrast, April can be uncomfortably hot with highs reaching 91°F, while January is the coldest period with lows dropping to 68°F. A light rain jacket is recommended, though showers are generally brief and shouldn't disrupt your plans.
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.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 Fahrenheit (°F). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in miles per hour (mph). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.