Jaffna, in the far north of Sri Lanka, is the hottest region in the country with average temperatures reaching 30C. It has a tropical savanna climate with a dry season between February and August, and a wet season between September and January. The temperature in the north of Sri Lanka is at its highest during April/May and August/September. The coolest months, in December and January, are still hot. Even the least sunny month – normally January – averages more than seven hours of sunshine a day. February and March are particularly favoured months with rain and humidity at its lowest.
The North East monsoon rains are between October to January and are welcomed with open arms because, in Sri Lanka terms, this is a region of relatively low rainfall and a plentiful monsoon is essential. The best time to visit is in birding season from September to March when the lagoons are filled with water, the paddy fields and vegetation are lush green, the air is cooler and the migrant birds including flamingos, ducks and other waterbirds line the lagoons in their thousands.
Best month to visit Jaffna and the North: February
| Average high °C | Average low °C | Average rain / m mm | Average rain days / m | Average sun hours / month | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28 | 24 | 70 | 6 | 7 |
| Feb | 28 | 25 | 30 | 3 | 8 |
| Mar | 30 | 26 | 26 | 3 | 9 |
| Apr | 32 | 27 | 55 | 7 | 10 |
| May | 32 | 28 | 65 | 6 | 10 |
| June | 32 | 28 | 28 | 4 | 11 |
| July | 32 | 27 | 35 | 7 | 11 |
| Aug | 30 | 27 | 50 | 8 | 10 |
| Sept | 30 | 27 | 70 | 9 | 10 |
| Oct | 29 | 26 | 220 | 14 | 9 |
| Nov | 28 | 25 | 320 | 16 | 8 |
| Dec | 28 | 25 | 190 | 13 | 7 |
| Year | 30 | 26 | 96 | 8 | 9 |
