Climate Overview
The climate in Puttalam is hot. The average annual temperature is 28°C and approximately 1263mm of precipitation falls per year. November is the wettest month, receiving around 235mm of rainfall. 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 6°C between highs and lows.
Precipitation
Puttalam is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 1263mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 105mm per month. The wettest month is November, averaging 235mm of rainfall. October and May also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is February, with just 23mm. That's 212mm 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 relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 4km/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 6km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in April, with average winds dropping to 2km/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.
Seasons
92 days until Autumn
It is currently summer in Puttalam, which began on June 21, 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. Autumn is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 — 92 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 25 to 34°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 324mm across the season with a monthly average of 108mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 3km/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 196mm for the season, averaging 65mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 5km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal — perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 24 to 31°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 573mm across the season with a monthly average of 191mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 3km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 23 to 32°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 171mm for the season, averaging 57mm per month. 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 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.
