Sri Lanka belongs to a tropical monsoon climate and is characterized by high temperatures and humidity throughout the year, with seasonal changes in rainfall and wind direction affecting culture and events. Below are the climatic characteristics for each season and the main events.
Spring (March to May)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Increasing days with highs above 30℃, entering the hottest period
- Precipitation: Relatively low in March, but localized downpours occur during the first inter-monsoon period from April to May
- Characteristics: Humidity rises, and thunderstorms indicating tropical cyclones frequently occur in the afternoons
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Relationship with Climate |
| April |
Sinhala-Tamil New Year |
Celebrated in mid-April based on the solar calendar. Traditional rituals are performed during this period which marks the end of the dry season and is characterized by many clear days. |
| May |
Vesak (Buddha's Birthday) |
Held on the full moon day in May. Temple pilgrimages and lantern parades are conducted under the refreshing climate before the rainy season. |
Summer (June to August)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Stays around an average of 28 to 30℃
- Precipitation: The southwest monsoon brings heavy rains mainly to the southwestern part from late June to August
- Characteristics: Increase in humidity and strong rains, with risks of river swelling and flooding
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Relationship with Climate |
| June |
Poson Poya (Full Moon Festival) |
Celebrates the introduction of Buddhism. Occasional clear skies just before the onset of the rainy season, with processions taking place. |
| July-August |
Kandy Esala Perahera |
A royal procession featuring the Temple of the Tooth. Magnificent night parades are held during breaks in heavy rain. |
Autumn (September to November)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Slightly decreases to 27 to 29℃
- Precipitation: The inter-monsoon period after the July heavy rains experiences brief intense rains intermittently
- Characteristics: A recovery period after the southwest monsoon; winds near the coast become calm
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Relationship with Climate |
| October |
Diwali (Festival of Lights) |
A Hindu festival. After the rainy season, humidity decreases, allowing for safe lighting of lanterns. |
| November |
Kataragama Festival |
A multi-religion pilgrimage festival. Decreased rainfall enables stable outdoor worship and rituals. |
Winter (December to February)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Most comfortable period, ranging from 25 to 28℃
- Precipitation: The northeast monsoon brings rain mainly to the northeastern part from December to January, while the southwestern part experiences dry conditions
- Characteristics: The peak of the dry season with low humidity, marking the peak tourist season
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Relationship with Climate |
| December |
Christmas |
Influenced by Western culture. Many clear days in the dry season enhance urban illumination displays. |
| January |
Duruthu Poya (Full Moon Festival) |
A Buddhist event. Morning pilgrimages and almsgiving take place under the cool climate of the dry season. |
| February |
Thai Pongal (Harvest Festival) |
A harvest thanksgiving festival for Tamil people. Outdoor events are held under a clear sky at the end of the dry season. |
Summary of Seasonal Events and Climate Relationships
| Season |
Climate Characteristics |
Examples of Main Events |
| Spring |
Hot and humid, localized downpours |
Sinhala-Tamil New Year, Vesak |
| Summer |
Heavy rains from southwest monsoon, humidity increase |
Poson Poya, Esala Perahera |
| Autumn |
Brief rains during inter-monsoon, calm by the coast |
Diwali, Kataragama Festival |
| Winter |
Dry season and peak for tourism, limited effects of northeast monsoon |
Christmas, Duruthu Poya, Thai Pongal |
Supplement
- The Poya Days in May and June are full moon days in the Buddhist calendar when various traditional events are held.
- There are significant regional differences in rainfall due to the southwest and northeast monsoons, necessitating an understanding of climate according to event locations.
- Maritime activities (whale watching and diving) thrive during the dry season from December to March.
The diverse festivals of Sri Lanka have developed against the backdrop of the arrival of the monsoon and the onset of the dry season, forming a culture deeply intertwined with the climate.
Light rain shower