Climate Overview
The climate in Ratnapura is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 24°C and approximately 4372mm of precipitation falls per year. Ratnapura receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Ratnapura sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.
Temperature
Ratnapura has relatively stable temperatures year-round, staying within a 10°C range. The warmest month is April, when average highs reach 29°C and the mean temperature sits around 24°C. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 19°C and an average of 23°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 7°C between highs and lows.
Precipitation
Ratnapura is a very wet location, receiving approximately 4372mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 364mm per month. The wettest month is November, averaging 702mm of rainfall. May and October also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is June, with just 226mm. That's 476mm less than November, the wettest month. Precipitation varies noticeably between seasons, with the second half (July to December) of the year generally seeing more rainfall.
Wind
Ratnapura is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 5km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is July, averaging 7km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in January, with average winds dropping to 3km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind speeds vary significantly across the year, with a 4km/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 3km/h in winter, 4km/h in spring, 7km/h in summer, 5km/h in autumn.
Seasons
87 days until Winter
It is currently autumn in Ratnapura, which began on September 23, 2026. Ratnapura 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 29°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in January near 19°C. Winter is next, beginning on December 21, 2026 (87 days from now).
Spring
Temperatures range from 20 to 29°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 1233mm across the season with a monthly average of 411mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 4km/h. An umbrella or waterproof jacket is advisable as spring showers are frequent.
Summer
Temperatures range from 21 to 27°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 702mm across the season with a monthly average of 234mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 7km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal. Perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 21 to 27°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 1451mm across the season with a monthly average of 484mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 5km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 19 to 28°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 987mm across the season with a monthly average of 329mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 3km/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 Ratnapura 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.
