March weather forecast
Sri Lanka

March heralds a noticeable transition in Sri Lanka's weather patterns as temperatures begin to climb. Countrywide, average temperatures tend to hover between 19°C (66.2°F) to 25.5°C (77.9°F). However, as seen in preceding months, certain areas, such as Nuwara Eliya in the central highlands, experience a more temperate climate. Here, temperatures typically range from 9.5°C (49.1°F) to 22°C (71.6°F).

While March does not hold the distinction of being the hottest month - that title belongs to April and May - it does serve as a precursor to the intense warmth to come. When juxtaposed with February, March registers higher temperatures and a slight uptick in humidity levels, making the atmosphere feel warmer than previous months.

Rainfall remains moderate but is on the rise. The eastern coast, including areas like Batticaloa, starts to see fewer rain showers as the northeast monsoon tapers off. Conversely, the rest of the country preps for the onset of the southwest monsoon, which typically begins by the end of May.

As the calendar turns to April, Sri Lanka braces for increased temperatures, marking the onset of one of its warmest periods. The buildup of heat in March is a harbinger of the sweltering conditions that April and May will usher in.

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• Colombo - March »
  In Colombo in March, during 19.8 rainfall days, 66mm (2.6") of precipitation is typically accumulated. The months of March and April bring the highest temperatures in Colombo, averaging a high of 31.8°C (89.2°F).
• Kandy - March »
  The least humid month in Kandy is March, with an average relative humidity of 74%. Maintaining the trend from the preceding months, Kandy's March weather remains consistent with the dry season’s pattern, promising ample daylight hours and an agreeable temperature range.
• Galle - March »
  February and March, with an average relative humidity of 77%, are the least humid months in Galle, Sri Lanka. In Galle in March, the average water temperature is 29.2°C (84.6°F).
• Jaffna - March »
  The month with the least rainfall in Jaffna is March, when the rain falls for 5.8 days and typically collects 13mm (0.51") of precipitation. The least humid month in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, is March, with an average relative humidity of 75%.
• Anuradhapura - March »
  Warmest months in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, are March and April, with an average high-temperature of 34.3°C (93.7°F). March marks a distinct heightening in relative humidity and temperature in Anuradhapura.
• Nuwara Eliya - March »
  March is the least humid month in Nuwara Eliya with an average relative humidity of 80%. The least humid month in Nuwara Eliya is March, with an average relative humidity of 80%.
• Ratnapura - March »
  In Ratnapura during March, the rain falls for 26.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 134mm (5.28") of precipitation. March paints a cloudier picture for Ratnapura than its preceding months, with a visible reduction in the number of days the sun breaks through the clouds.
• Trincomalee - March »
  On the first day of March in Trincomalee sunrise is at 06:18 and sunset at 18:16. In Trincomalee, during March, the rain falls for 14 days and regularly aggregates up to 38mm (1.5") of precipitation.
• Batticaloa - March »
  In Batticaloa, during March, the rain falls for 12.8 days and regularly aggregates up to 39mm (1.54") of precipitation. In Batticaloa, during March, the rain falls for 12.8 days and regularly aggregates up to 39mm (1.54") of precipitation.
• Matara - March »
  In Matara in March, the average water temperature is 28.9°C (84°F). In Matara in March, it is raining for 16.3 days, with typically 32mm (1.26") of accumulated precipitation.
• Negombo - March »
  Negombo reaches its average highest temperatures in March, measuring 32.1°C (89.8°F) at the peak and 24.5°C (76.1°F) at the lowest. Negombo registers the highest average temperatures during the month of March, with peaks of 32.1°C (89.8°F) and lows of 24.5°C (76.1°F).
• Badulla - March »
  In Badulla, Sri Lanka, in March, during 20.8 rainfall days, 121mm (4.76") of precipitation is typically accumulated. The least humid month in Badulla, Sri Lanka, is March, with an average relative humidity of 80%.