Climate Overview
The climate in Puttalam is hot. The average annual temperature is 28°C and approximately 1556mm of precipitation falls per year. Puttalam receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Puttalam sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.
Temperature
Puttalam sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 23°C to 34°C. The warmest month is March, when average highs reach 34°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 7°C between highs and lows.
Precipitation
Puttalam is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 1556mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 130mm per month. The wettest month is November, averaging 322mm of rainfall. October and May also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is February, with just 33mm. That's 289mm 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
Puttalam 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 23km/h, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in April, with average winds dropping to 12km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 11km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to pick up during the summer months. The seasonal averages are 16km/h in winter, 15km/h in spring, 22km/h in summer, 16km/h in autumn.
Seasons
89 days until Summer
It is currently spring in Puttalam, which began on March 20, 2026. Puttalam sits near the equator, so the traditional four-season cycle is less pronounced — temperatures remain relatively stable year-round. The warmest period peaks in March at around 34°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 25 to 34°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 386mm across the season with a monthly average of 129mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 15km/h. An umbrella or waterproof jacket is advisable as spring showers are frequent.
Summer
Temperatures range from 26 to 31°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 248mm for the season, averaging 83mm per month. Winds are moderate at around 22km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal — perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 24 to 31°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 705mm across the season with a monthly average of 235mm. Winds are moderate at around 16km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 23 to 33°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 217mm for the season, averaging 72mm per month. Winds are moderate at around 16km/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 Puttalam 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.