January in Anuradhapura averages 29C by day and 22C at night, with 73 mm of rain over about 10 wet days. Mornings are cool enough for a 7am bike ride before the heat sets in. Book guesthouses ahead - this is high season.
What to Expect
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 29C by day, 22C at night |
| Rainfall | 73 mm, about 10 wet days |
Averages for 2015 to 2024 from the Open-Meteo weather archive.
Events and Festivals
- Duruthu Poya (early January, commemorates Buddha's first visit to Sri Lanka)
What to Do This Season
- Cycle the full sacred city circuit without midday heat exhaustion
- Early morning visits to Ruwanwelisaya before tour buses arrive
What to Watch Out For
- Occasional short showers left over from the monsoon
- Peak foreign tourist season means guesthouse prices rise
What to Wear
Light cotton clothing, long trousers or skirt for temple areas, a light rain jacket for stray showers.
Is It Worth Visiting Now?
Yes
More on Anuradhapura
Flexible on dates? Compare Anuradhapura in December and Anuradhapura in February. The best time to visit Anuradhapura sets all twelve months side by side. For what is open and worth it, see the things to do in Anuradhapura. The main Anuradhapura page covers costs and transport.
We plan trips to Anuradhapura and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.