The climate of Matara
Matara, located in stunning
Sri Lanka, is characterized by a tropical rainforest climate, classified as 'Af' according to the Köppen climate classification. Nestled in close proximity to the equator, the city experiences high temperatures year-round, and notable rainfall across all months. Throughout the year, there is an average minimum temperature fluctuation from 23°C (73.4°F) to a maximum of 31.1°C (88°F). The corresponding humidity levels remain reasonably steady, ranging from 77% to 81%.
Rainfall occurs in all months, with a recorded monthly average varying from 22mm (0.87") to 66mm (2.6"). Consequently, Matara experiences numerous rainfall days throughout the year, ranging from 10.7 days to 19.8 days per month on average. Unsurprisingly, due to its tropical climate, cloud cover is also relatively stable year-round, with an average percentage varying between 26% to 53%.
The strength of the wind varies throughout the year, with an average wind speed fluctuating between 9km/h (5.6mph) and 18.9km/h (11.7mph). The maximum wind speeds can reach up to 19.8km/h (12.3mph) across the year. However, wind gusts can even exceed the average, with gusts ranging from 13.6km/h (8.5mph) to 27km/h (16.8mph).
The best time to visit Matara
For visitors who value more sunshine and less rainfall, the period from
January to
March serves as an optimal time to visit
Matara. During these months, daily sunshine reaches between 8.9 hours to 9.7 hours, and rainfall is relatively less compared to other months, peaking at 32mm (1.26") in March. Daylight hours are at a beneficial high, averaging between 11.8 hours to 12.3 hours. The temperatures are in a comfortable range, with an average high temperature reaching between 30.2°C (86.4°F) to 31.1°C (88°F), and the sea temperature remains warm at an average from 27.7°C (81.9°F) to 29.6°C (85.3°F).
The worst time to visit Matara
Months from
October to
December are arguably the least favorable for tourists due to increased rainfall and reduced sunshine hours. Rainfall in these months can go up to 66mm (2.6"), with
November being the wettest of them all. The count of sunshine days drops to a low of 7.8 days in November. Additionally, sunshine hours drop to a minimum of 6.9 hours in December. The wind gusts are relatively high in this period, with the gusts reaching to a high of 23.4km/h (14.5mph) in October.
Spring weather in Matara
In
Matara, the spring months from
March to
May, experience stable weather conditions. Daily average high temperatures hover between 30.3°C (86.5°F) to 31.1°C (88°F), while nights cool down to about 24.3°C (75.7°F) to 26.3°C (79.3°F). Rainfall during Spring intensifies, varying from 32mm (1.26") to 54mm (2.13"), skewing towards the later part of the season. Correspondingly, the number of rainy days increases from 16.3 days to 15.6 days. Despite the increased rain, sunshine averages approximately 9.3 hours per day, maintaining a relatively constant sea temperature peaking at 29.6°C (85.3°F).
Summer weather in Matara
The summer months, from
June to
August, identify a noticeable increase in wind speed, which reaches up to 18.9km/h (11.7mph). Despite this, the temperature remains comfortably warm, between 29.3°C (84.7°F) to 29.6°C (85.3°F) during the day, and cools off to 25.6°C (78.1°F) to 26°C (78.8°F) at night. Rainfall remains steady, with monthly levels between 28mm (1.1") to 43mm (1.69"). Although the number of daylight hours peaks at 12.5 hours in June, the duration of sunbathing reduces, as sunshine decreases to 8.5 hours per day in
July.
Autumn weather in Matara
Matara experiences its heaviest rainfall in the autumn months, from
September to
November, with an average monthly rainfall between 48mm (1.89") and 66mm (2.6"). However, this does not deter from the warm, tropical climate, with daily temperatures fluctuating between 29.1°C (84.4°F) and 29.8°C (85.6°F). The sea remains at a hospitable temperature, averaging between 28.3°C (82.9°F) and 28.8°C (83.8°F). Even with the increase in rainfall, the amount of sunshine Matara receives during autumn ranges between 7.5 hours to 8.6 hours per day.
Winter weather in Matara
Winter, from
December to
February, encounters modest rainfall, from 22mm (0.87") to 30mm (1.18"). The temperature ranges from a high of 29.6°C (85.3°F) to 30.2°C (86.4°F), and the nighttime temperatures average between 23°C (73.4°F) to 23.5°C (74.3°F). Although the duration of daylight decreases to 11.8 hours in December and remains so until February, sunshine hours vary between 6.9 hours to 8.9 hours. The sea temperature during the winter averages between 27.7°C (81.9°F) to 28.3°C (82.9°F), and the wind speed varies from 9km/h (5.6mph) to 10.3km/h (6.4mph), providing a gentle breeze for beachgoers.
Weather in January
The commencement of the year in
Matara,
Sri Lanka sees a relative increase in rainfall, from 22mm (0.87") in the last month of the previous year to 30mm (1.18") in
January. The city experiences a good balance between rainfall and sunshine, providing a welcoming climate for sightseeing.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Immediately mirroring its predecessor,
February shows a marginal increase in high temperatures, rising to 30.9°C (87.6°F) from 30.2°C (86.4°F) in
January. Although humidity levels remain similar to the previous month, tourists should expect intermittent showers throughout this period.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March reveals a noticeable shift from
February, with an increment in both high and low temperatures. The city's weather features regular rain showers which bring about stunning rainbows without fail, adding allure to the landscape.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April ushers in the peak of high temperatures, matching
March's high at 31.1°C (88°F). Amid the heat, locals and tourists alike can enjoy the increased daylight hours and engage in outdoor activities. The city also receives higher levels of rainfall compared to the preceding month, a characteristic that lends a cooler feel to the environment as the day wears on.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May records the highest rainfall of 54mm (2.13"), marking a significant jump from 46mm (1.81") in
April. Despite the uptick in rainfall, the city is steeped in a comforting warmth. While rain might dampen some outdoor plans, it brings a cool relief in the tropical climate.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June sees a slight drop in both high and low temperatures from the peaks of previous months. Favorable weather conditions persist for outdoor enthusiasts keen on exploring
Matara's heritage. The rainfall decreases, compared to
May, providing ample opportunity for uninterrupted sightseeing.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July's weather largely mirrors that of
June, with high temperatures falling further to 29.6°C (85.3°F). The city looks more attractive with lush greenery, thanks to regular showers. With the sea temperature dropping slightly, it is an ideal time for beachgoers who prefer less warm waters.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August brings pleasant weather with a modest decrease in both high and low temperatures from 29.6°C (85.3°F) and 25.6°C (78.1°F) in
July to 29.3°C (84.7°F) and 25.3°C (77.5°F), respectively. It is another delightful summer month with a suitable balance between rainfall and sunny days.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September can be described as a transition period with the high temperature slightly dipping to 29.1°C (84.4°F), compared to 29.3°C (84.7°F) in
August. In terms of weather patterns, there are a steady number of sunshine and daylight hours, making it appropriate for long strolls and sightseeing.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in a slight resurgence in high temperatures to 29.6°C (85.3°F), from 29.1°C (84.4°F) in
September. The city experiences more frequent showers, bringing about a refreshing change from the preceding drier months.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November sees a comparable weather pattern to
October, with an insignificant rise in high temperatures. A noticeable characteristic of this month is the highest rainfall of 66mm (2.6"), surpassing the previous high of 63mm (2.48") from October.
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
December,
Matara,
Sri Lanka, maintains high temperatures around 29.9°C (85.8°F). The city bids adieu to the year with lesser rainfall, promoting outdoor exploration and making it a desirable destination for holiday celebrations.
Weather in December »