January in Negombo averages 31C by day and 23C at night, with 67 mm of rain over about 9 wet days. It is the 2nd driest month of the year. January is Negombo at its most polished: flat turquoise water, full beach bars, and tourists who flew in over Christmas still working on their tans. It's the most expensive month of the year here, but also the most reliable for weather.
What to Expect
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 31C by day, 23C at night |
| Rainfall | 67 mm, about 9 wet days |
Averages for 2015 to 2024 from the Open-Meteo weather archive.
Events and Festivals
- Feast of St. Sebastian (Negombo's Catholic community holds a major procession, usually mid-January)
- New Year holidaymakers still winding down through the first week
What to Do This Season
- Calm, swimmable sea on the main beach stretch
- Dawn fish market visits with good light for photos
What to Watch Out For
- Beach-front restaurants charge peak-season prices
- Touts near the fish market can be persistent
What to Wear
Light cotton clothing, swimwear, a sun hat - evenings stay warm enough for short sleeves.
Is It Worth Visiting Now?
Yes - this is peak dry season with the best swimming conditions of the year, though book accommodation ahead as post-Christmas crowds linger into early January.
More on Negombo
Flexible on dates? Compare Negombo in December and Negombo in February. The best time to visit Negombo sets all twelve months side by side. For what is open and worth it, see the things to do in Negombo. The main Negombo page covers costs and transport.
We plan trips to Negombo and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.