Climate Overview
The climate in Matara is hot. The average annual temperature is 27°C and approximately 1696mm of precipitation falls per year. Matara receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Matara sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.
Temperature
Matara has relatively stable temperatures year-round, staying within a 5°C range. The warmest month is April, when average highs reach 30°C and the mean temperature sits around 28°C. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 25°C and an average of 27°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 3°C between highs and lows.
Precipitation
Matara is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 1696mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 141mm per month. The wettest month is November, averaging 288mm of rainfall. May and October also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is January, with just 36mm. That's 252mm 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
Matara 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 June, averaging 7km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in April, 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 4km/h in winter, 4km/h in spring, 7km/h in summer, 5km/h in autumn.
Seasons
92 days until Autumn
It is currently summer in Matara, which began on June 21, 2026. Matara 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 30°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in January near 25°C. Autumn is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 — 92 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 26 to 30°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 489mm across the season with a monthly average of 163mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 4km/h. An umbrella or waterproof jacket is advisable as spring showers are frequent.
Summer
Temperatures range from 26 to 29°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 342mm across the season with a monthly average of 114mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 7km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal — perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 25 to 28°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 650mm across the season with a monthly average of 217mm. 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 30°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 215mm for the season, averaging 72mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 4km/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 Matara 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.
