Month guide · Colombo · Sri Lanka
Colombo in March
What March is really like in Colombo: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: A-wiki-guest-user, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
March is one of the best months to visit Colombo. Expect average highs of 32°C (90°F), lows of 24°C (75°F), about 8 rainy days and roughly 12.1 hours of daylight. Hot and increasingly humid, with occasional afternoon showers.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 32°C (90°F) / 24°C (75°F)
- Rainy days
- About 8
- Daylight
- About 12.1 hours
- Sea temperature
- 29°C (84°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in March
March is the warmest month in Colombo: days average 32°C (90°F) against a yearly average high of 31°C (88°F), and nights fall to about 24°C (75°F). Rain falls on roughly 8 of its 31 days. Compared with February (31°C (88°F)), March is about as warm; by April highs stay near 32°C (90°F).
- Sunrise (15 March)
- About 06:18
- Sunset (15 March)
- About 18:22
- Daylight
- About 12.1 hours
- Sea
- 29°C (84°F)
Dry season (December–March). Sunny days, calm seas and peak season on the west and south coasts; book hotels ahead for Christmas and January.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, March rates 4 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: March is one of the pricier months.
Events in March
March has no major recurring festival in Colombo, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in March
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Market · Pettah
Pettah markets
Go on a weekday morning, keep valuables secure and use a local guide or walking tour if you want to understand the lanes.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Shopping
- Food
- Photo spot
Religious site · Pettah
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)
Built in 1909, this mosque's red-and-white candy-striped brickwork and onion domes make it one of Colombo's most photographed buildings.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- Photo spot
- History
Historic site · Fort
Old Dutch Hospital
Book Ministry of Crab or another restaurant here for dinner, and arrive early to explore the courtyards.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- History
- Food
- After dark
- Free
Religious site · Kelaniya
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
About 10 km north-east of the centre, this temple is believed by Buddhists to have been visited by the Buddha.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Art
- Off the beaten path
The sea averages 29°C (84°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Colombo.
What to pack
For highs near 32°C, lows near 24°C and 8 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is March a good time to visit Colombo?
One of the best months to visit Colombo. The other best months are December–February. Compare every month.
Colombo in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is March a good time to visit Colombo?
It is one of the best months to visit Colombo. Hot and increasingly humid, with occasional afternoon showers.
+How warm is Colombo in March?
Average highs are around 32°C (90°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Colombo in March?
Expect rain on about 8 days of the month.