Climate Overview
The climate in Kataragama is hot. The average annual temperature is 27°C and approximately 1240mm of precipitation falls per year. November is the wettest month, receiving around 302mm of rainfall. Kataragama sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.
Temperature
Kataragama has relatively stable temperatures year-round, staying within a 10°C range. The warmest month is July, when average highs reach 33°C and the mean temperature sits around 29°C. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 23°C and an average of 26°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 6°C between highs and lows.
Precipitation
Kataragama is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 1240mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 103mm per month. The wettest month is November, averaging 302mm of rainfall. October and December also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is June, with just 18mm. That's 284mm 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
Kataragama is moderately windy, with an average annual wind speed of 21km/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 27km/h, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in November, with average winds dropping to 14km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 13km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to pick up during the summer months. The seasonal averages are 19km/h in winter, 18km/h in spring, 26km/h in summer, 19km/h in autumn.
Seasons
89 days until Summer
It is currently spring in Kataragama, which began on March 20, 2026. Kataragama sits near the equator, so the traditional four-season cycle is less pronounced — temperatures remain relatively stable year-round. The warmest period peaks in July at around 33°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in January near 23°C. Summer is next, beginning on June 21, 2026 — 89 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 24 to 32°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 290mm for the season, averaging 97mm per month. Winds are moderate at around 18km/h. An umbrella or waterproof jacket is advisable as spring showers are frequent.
Summer
Temperatures range from 26 to 33°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 69mm over the season and a monthly average of 23mm. Winds are strong, averaging 26km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal — perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 24 to 32°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 544mm across the season with a monthly average of 181mm. Winds are moderate at around 19km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 23 to 29°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 337mm across the season with a monthly average of 112mm. Winds are moderate at around 19km/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 Kataragama 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.
