Climate Overview
The climate in Jaffna is hot. The average annual temperature is 28°C and approximately 1161mm of precipitation falls per year. November is the wettest month, receiving around 295mm 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 30°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 moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 1161mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 97mm per month. The wettest month is November, averaging 295mm of rainfall. December and October also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is March, with just 19mm. That's 276mm 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 relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 6km/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 8km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in March, with average winds dropping to 4km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 4km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
93 days until Autumn
It is currently summer in Jaffna, which began on June 21, 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. Autumn is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 — 93 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 27 to 31°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 144mm over the season and a monthly average of 48mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 5km/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 164mm for the season, averaging 55mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 7km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal — perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 26 to 29°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 567mm across the season with a monthly average of 189mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 5km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 25 to 28°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 285mm for the season, averaging 95mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 5km/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.
