January in Colombo averages 30C by day and 23C at night, with 78 mm of rain over about 11 wet days. It is the 2nd driest month of the year. Expect to pay more for rooms than any other month.
What to Expect
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 30C by day, 23C at night |
| Rainfall | 78 mm, about 11 wet days |
Averages for 2015 to 2024 from the Open-Meteo weather archive.
Events and Festivals
- Duruthu Perahera at Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara (full moon festival, elephants and dancers)
What to Do This Season
- Day trip to Kelaniya temple for the Duruthu Perahera
- Fort district walking tour without the usual afternoon downpours
What to Watch Out For
- Hotel rates near Fort and Galle Face spike 30-40% above low season
- Book airport transfers ahead - this is the busiest arrival month
What to Wear
Light cotton clothing, a hat for midday sun, sandals for humid streets.
Is It Worth Visiting Now?
Yes - this is peak dry season with the lowest rainfall of the year and comfortable sea breezes along Galle Face.
More on Colombo
Flexible on dates? Compare Colombo in December and Colombo in February. The best time to visit Colombo sets all twelve months side by side. For what is open and worth it, see the things to do in Colombo. The main Colombo page covers costs and transport.
We plan trips to Colombo and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.