Climate in Sri Lanka
All in all, Sri Lanka's climate resembles that in neighbouring parts of South India. The island's three different climate and vegetation zone, south-west wet zone, central highlands, north and wast dryzone, can be compared to Kerala, Cardamom/Nilgiri highlands and Tamil Nadu respectively. Sri Lanka's average temperature is about 27°C in most parts of the island and only slightly changing during different seasons. The highest temperatures are from March through June while November to January is usually the coolest season. The humidity is higher than in most parts of India. But surrounded by the Indian Ocean the island has blowing winds more often, making the tropical climate more bearable. Although a small country, Sri Lanka has a remarkably varied climate. The climate in Sri Lanka's wet and green and densely populated southwestern area differs much from that in the eastern and northern regions. You can compare the contrast between those opposite parts of the island to the different climates of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in southern India. In between June and September heavy rainfalls occur in the mainly Sinhalese western and southern areas of Sri Lanka, nevertheless there are many hours of sunshine and clear blue sky each day even during the Southwest Monsoon period. Between November and January the Northeast Monsoon brings less heavy rainfalls to the dryzone areas of the island, to the Tamil north and east in particular. The central highlands are pleasantly cool, they are often misty and have less intense but longer periods of rainfall nearly every week. The dryest period in the hillcountry is from January to April. Temperatures are mild in most parts of the highlands, and cool (as low as below 10°C) in the Nuwara Eliya valley. Even frost can occur, but not more than once a decade. However, in case you are planning visiting Nuwara Eliya, pack more insulating clothing and also raincoats or umbrellas. |
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