The climate of Hambantota
Hambantota,
Sri Lanka, predominantly falls within the Köppen climate classification of 'Af', which signifies a tropical rainforest climate. Situated at 6.12°N latitude and 81.12°E longitude, the city experiences warm temperatures and significant rainfall for most parts of the year.
Analysing the climatic data, it's notable that temperatures remain consistently high, with the highest average monthly temperature recorded as 31.1°C (88°F) in
April, and the lowest average monthly temperature of 23.9°C (75°F) in
January. The relative humidity varies slightly between a high of 79% in
November and
December and a low of 74% in
July.
Rainfall, a fundamental factor characterising the weather in Hambantota, peaks in November with 182mm (7.17"), while the minimum average monthly rainfall occurs in July with 16mm (0.63"). There is an evident demand in the number of rainy days from 25.3 days in November to 10.6 days in July.
A unique attribute of Hambantota's weather pattern is the consistently high daylight hours throughout the year, averaging at 12 hours. However, sunshine hours, an indicator of the actual sunshine received, drop considerably from a high of 11.3 hours in
June to a low of 6.6 hours in December.
The best time to visit Hambantota
Considering the prevalent weather components, the most favourable period to visit
Hambantota is predominantly during the months of
May through to
July. These months respectively correspond with the lowest rainfall amounts from 72mm (2.83") to 16mm (0.63") and the highest average sunshine hours from 10.9 to 10.8 hours a day.
The worst time to visit Hambantota
Contrastingly, the months with the heaviest rainfalls ranging from 180mm (7.09") in
October ascending to a year’s peak of 182mm (7.17") in
November may be potentially less appealing for tourists. Correspondingly, sunshine hours also drastically decline during these months from 8.5 hours a day in October to a year's low of 6.6 hours a day in
December.
Spring weather in Hambantota
Spring season, stretching from
March to
May, in
Hambantota usually enjoys high temperatures ranging between an average monthly high of 30.4°C (86.7°F) in March to 30.8°C (87.4°F) in May, and lows from 24.9°C (76.8°F) to 26.7°C (80.1°F). March observes a relative rise in rainfall with 61mm (2.4"), but the following months of
April and May get increasingly drier to signify the end of the spring season.
Summer weather in Hambantota
During summer, which spans from
June to
August, the city follows the same high-temperature trend, peaking at an average high of 30.7°C (87.3°F) in
July and low of 26.3°C (79.3°F) from July to August. This season marks the lowest rainfall, decreasing from 72mm (2.83") in June to an annual low of 16mm (0.63") in July.
Autumn weather in Hambantota
As autumn stretches from
September to
November, the rainfall begins to increase significantly, with September observing 48mm (1.89") of rain escalating to November’s peak of 182mm (7.17"). Consequently, the average number of rainy days increases from 14.4 days in September to 25.3 in November.
Winter weather in Hambantota
Winter months usher in a period of moderate weather with average high temperatures ranging from 29.2°C (84.6°F) in
December and
January to 30°C (86°F) in
February, and average low temperatures oscillating from 24.5°C (76.1°F) in December to 26°C (78.8°F) in February. During this period, the number of rainy days noticeably declines from 20.1 in December to 10.9 in February, indicative of the gradually drying conditions during this season.
Weather in January
With a comparatively low amount of cloud cover,
January in
Hambantota,
Sri Lanka sees a slight increase in daytime visibility. January experiences less humidity compared to the forthcoming months, with a gradual increase in daily temperature ranges.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The transition into
February records barely noticeable changes from
January. However,
Hambantota experiences an inclination towards warmer temperatures. Also, there is a minor but definite uplift in the humidity level. A slight decrease in rainfall days from 11.3 days to 10.9 days continues to project February as part of the less rainy season.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March comes with an upward shift in the weather spectrum in
Hambantota. Stepping into March, there is a marginal rise in average temperatures and a minor intensification in the humidity level. The weather also features a significant surge in rainfall at 61mm (2.4"), compared to 49mm (1.93") in
February.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Significant weather changes arise as
Hambantota moves into
April. Displaying a significant leap from
March’s conditions, April unfolds with a record rainfall of 109mm (4.29"). The city records a rise in humidity as well as an increase in average temperatures.
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
May, the weather in
Hambantota shows a downward trend in rainfall from 109mm (4.29") to 72mm (2.83"), signaling easing of the prior heavy rains. Nonetheless, the high humidity persists, making this month fairly humid. The average temperatures remain on the higher side, although there is a bit of a dip from
April.
Weather in May »Weather in June
The weather transformation from
May to
June adjusts subtly with regards to rainfall and temperatures in
Hambantota. An explicit drop in the rainfall to 20mm (0.79") and a decrease in rainfall days denotes a significant drying trend.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Hambantota sees a continuum in the drying trend from
June with limited rainfall. While the temperatures remain consistent with June, a varying factor is the minor decrease in humidity. There is a slight rise in the number of rainfall days, but the overall rainfall remains quite low.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August preserves the drying trend observed in
July, with a slight increase in the rainfall amount. Correspondingly, a minor increase in rainfall days is observed, indicating a more distributed rainfall pattern. The average temperatures maintain steadiness without showing considerable fluctuations.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signals a shift from the droughty weather pattern with a noticeable rise in rainfall from 30mm (1.18") to 48mm (1.89"). Significantly, the average temperatures do not undergo major changes. However, the increases in rainfall days and humidity percentage signal the arrival of the transitional monsoon season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in drastic weather changes in
Hambantota, with rainfall peaking at 180mm (7.09") compared to 48mm (1.89") in
September. The number of rainfall days also sharply rises, implying an onset of the rainy season. Although the average temperatures remain steady, a rise in humidity indicates damp conditions.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Moving into
November,
Hambantota continues to experience the monsoon effect with an increase in rainfall to 182mm (7.17") from
October’s 180mm (7.09"). The month also records the highest number of rainfall days at 25.3 days, confirming its rainfall-rich weather.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December continues the trend of the preceding rainy month, but begins to show signs of weather moderation. A significant drop in rainfall from 182mm (7.17") to 131mm (5.16") indicates the looming end of the monsoon. Correspondingly, the number of rainfall days decreases.
Weather in December »