Climate Overview
The climate in Jaffna is hot. The average annual temperature is 28°C and approximately 1323mm of precipitation falls per year. November is the wettest month, receiving around 404mm of rainfall. Jaffna sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.
Temperature
Jaffna has relatively stable temperatures year-round, staying within a 6°C range. The warmest month is April, when average highs reach 31°C and the mean temperature sits around 29°C. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 25°C and an average of 26°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 2°C between highs and lows.
Precipitation
Jaffna is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 1323mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 110mm per month. The wettest month is November, averaging 404mm of rainfall. December and October also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is March, with just 13mm. That's 391mm 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
Jaffna is moderately windy, with an average annual wind speed of 26km/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 34km/h, which can feel quite blustery and may affect outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in April, with average winds dropping to 20km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 14km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to pick up during the summer months. The seasonal averages are 24km/h in winter, 24km/h in spring, 32km/h in summer, 25km/h in autumn.
Seasons
89 days until Summer
It is currently spring in Jaffna, which began on March 20, 2026. Jaffna 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 31°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in January near 25°C. Summer is next, beginning on June 21, 2026 — 89 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 27 to 31°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 164mm for the season, averaging 55mm per month. Winds are moderate at around 24km/h. Light layers work well as temperatures warm through the season — a great time to be outdoors.
Summer
Temperatures range from 28 to 30°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 156mm for the season, averaging 52mm per month. Winds are strong, averaging 32km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal — perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 26 to 29°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 688mm across the season with a monthly average of 229mm. Winds are strong, averaging 25km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 25 to 28°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 316mm across the season with a monthly average of 105mm. Winds are moderate at around 24km/h. A light jacket or sweater is usually sufficient, though cooler evenings may call for an extra layer.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Jaffna 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.
