Mountain town in Central Province, Sri Lanka
Nuwara Eliya weather by month and the best time to visit
When to go to Nuwara Eliya
Feb–Apr is driest, though Apr (Sinhala New Year) is packed. Aug is also dry; Oct–Jan brings rain, mist and cold nights.
Nuwara Eliya weather by month
Average daily high, rainfall and conditions.
- Jan18°108 mm
- Feb19°86 mm
- Mar20°104 mm
- Apr20°175 mm
- May19°164 mm
- Jun18°101 mm
- Jul18°82 mm
- Aug18°92 mm
- Sep18°129 mm
- Oct18°234 mm
- Nov18°274 mm
- Dec17°212 mm
Monthly averages
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18°C64°F | 9°C49°F | 108 mm | 87% | Cool |
| February | 19°C66°F | 10°C49°F | 86 mm | 84% | Pleasant |
| March | 20°C69°F | 11°C51°F | 104 mm | 81% | Pleasant |
| April | 20°C69°F | 12°C54°F | 175 mm | 84% | Rainy |
| May | 19°C66°F | 13°C56°F | 164 mm | 89% | Rainy |
| June | 18°C64°F | 13°C55°F | 101 mm | 89% | Cool |
| July | 18°C64°F | 12°C54°F | 82 mm | 89% | Cool |
| August | 18°C64°F | 12°C54°F | 92 mm | 88% | Cool |
| September | 18°C64°F | 12°C54°F | 129 mm | 87% | Pleasant |
| October | 18°C65°F | 12°C53°F | 234 mm | 88% | Rainy |
| November | 18°C64°F | 11°C52°F | 274 mm | 89% | Rainy |
| December | 17°C63°F | 10°C51°F | 212 mm | 90% | Rainy |
Best months across Sri Lanka
| Place | Best months | Warmest month |
|---|---|---|
| Ella | Jan–Mar, Jul–Aug | Aug (27°C) |
| Colombo | Dec–Mar | Mar (31°C) |
| Kandy | Jan–Apr | Apr (30°C) |
| Galle | Dec–Mar | Mar (29°C) |
| Mirissa | Dec–Mar | Mar (30°C) |
| Weligama | Nov–Mar | Mar (30°C) |
| Arugam Bay | May–Sep | Aug (32°C) |
| Sigiriya | Jan–Mar, Jul–Sep | Apr (32°C) |
| Unawatuna | Dec–Mar | Mar (29°C) |
| Hikkaduwa | Dec–Mar | Mar (29°C) |
| Nuwara Eliya | Feb–Apr, Aug | Mar (20°C) |
| Negombo | Dec–Mar | Mar (31°C) |
| Ahangama | Nov–Mar | Mar (30°C) |
| Hiriketiya | Nov–Mar | Mar (30°C) |
| Trincomalee | May–Sep | Aug (32°C) |
| Bentota | Dec–Apr | Mar (30°C) |
| Tangalle | Dec–Apr | Mar (30°C) |
| Jaffna | Feb–Mar, Jul–Aug | Apr (32°C) |
Quick answers
What is the best month to visit Nuwara Eliya?
Feb–Apr, Aug. Feb–Apr is driest, though Apr (Sinhala New Year) is packed. Aug is also dry; Oct–Jan brings rain, mist and cold nights.
When is the rainy season in Nuwara Eliya?
Rain peaks in November with about 274 mm. Months with 150 mm or more: Apr–May, Oct–Dec.
What is the hottest month in Nuwara Eliya?
March, with average highs of 20°C (69°F).
How cold does Nuwara Eliya get?
The coolest nights are in January, averaging 9°C (49°F).
More about Nuwara Eliya
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Sources
Climate averages are modelled from NASA POWER (MERRA-2) for 2001–2020 at about 50 km resolution, so coasts and valleys can differ a little. Temperatures are adjusted by 7.7°C for the city's elevation. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.