Month guide · Colombo · Sri Lanka
Colombo in January
What January is really like in Colombo: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Kondephy, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
January is one of the best months to visit Colombo. Expect average highs of 31°C (88°F), lows of 22°C (72°F), about 6 rainy days and roughly 11.8 hours of daylight. Dry, sunny and slightly less humid; peak season for the west and south coasts.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 31°C (88°F) / 22°C (72°F)
- Rainy days
- About 6
- Daylight
- About 11.8 hours
- Sea temperature
- 27°C (81°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in January
January is the 3rd-warmest month in Colombo: days average 31°C (88°F) against a yearly average high of 31°C (88°F), and nights fall to about 22°C (72°F). Rain falls on roughly 6 of its 31 days. Compared with December (30°C (86°F)), January is about as warm; by February highs stay near 31°C (88°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 06:27
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 18:12
- Daylight
- About 11.8 hours
- Sea
- 27°C (81°F)
Second inter-monsoon (October–November). Frequent, heavy afternoon and evening storms; one of the wettest periods of the year in Colombo.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, January rates 5 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: January is one of the pricier months.
Events in January
- Duruthu Perahera at Kelaniya temple (January full moon)
- Thai Pongal — Tamil harvest festival (mid-January)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in January
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Waterfront · Galle Face and Kollupitiya
Galle Face Green
Arrive about an hour before sunset, eat from the stalls near the southern end, then walk to the Galle Face Hotel's verandah for a drink.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Food
- After dark
- Iconic
- Outdoors
Park · Cinnamon Gardens
Viharamahadevi Park
Colombo's largest central park, formerly Victoria Park, faces the white-domed Town Hall and has a large seated Buddha, fountains, shady trees and a children's playground.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Nature
Landmark · Cinnamon Gardens
Independence Memorial Hall
Come early in the morning or near sunset, when local joggers and walkers fill the paths.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Architecture
- Outdoors
Viewpoint · Beira Lake
Lotus Tower
At about 350 metres, the lotus-shaped Colombo Lotus Tower is the tallest structure in South Asia.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Views
- Kids
- After dark
- Rainy day
The sea averages 27°C (81°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Colombo.
What to pack
For highs near 31°C, lows near 22°C and 6 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is January a good time to visit Colombo?
One of the best months to visit Colombo, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are February–March and December. Compare every month.
Colombo in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Colombo?
It is one of the best months to visit Colombo. Dry, sunny and slightly less humid; peak season for the west and south coasts.
+How warm is Colombo in January?
Average highs are around 31°C (88°F) and lows around 22°C (72°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Colombo in January?
Expect rain on about 6 days of the month.