Climate Overview
The climate in Vavuniya is hot. The average annual temperature is 28°C and approximately 1140mm of precipitation falls per year. November is the wettest month, receiving around 237mm of rainfall. Vavuniya sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.
Temperature
Vavuniya sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 22°C to 35°C. April is the hottest month, with daytime highs reaching 35°C and an average of 30°C. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 22°C and an average of 25°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 8°C between highs and lows.
Precipitation
Vavuniya is a moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 1140mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 95mm per month. The wettest month is November, averaging 237mm of rainfall. October and December also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is February, with just 27mm. That's 210mm 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
Vavuniya 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. Wind tends to pick up during the summer months. The seasonal averages are 3km/h in winter, 3km/h in spring, 5km/h in summer, 3km/h in autumn.
Seasons
88 days until Autumn
It is currently summer in Vavuniya, which began on June 21, 2026. Vavuniya 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 35°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in January near 22°C. Autumn is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 — 88 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 24 to 35°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 227mm for the season, averaging 76mm per month. 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 34°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 152mm for the season, averaging 51mm 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 33°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 531mm across the season with a monthly average of 177mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 3km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 22 to 31°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 230mm for the season, averaging 77mm 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 Vavuniya 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.
