Colombo in January
In January, Colombo averages 31°C (88°F) during the day and 22°C (72°F) at night, with around 8 days of rain (75 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
January in Colombo is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How January compares to the rest of the year in Colombo
January is one of the warmest months in Colombo (3rd of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (30°C). January runs 1°C warmer than December (30°C) and stays flat into February.
January sunrise & sunset in Colombo
Times shown for Colombo local time (Asia/Colombo), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Colombo — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Colombo's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Colombo in January
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on January's tier (Shoulder) and Colombo's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Colombo
Colombo is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — January in Colombo
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Colombo in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C / 88°F | 22°C / 72°F | 75 mm | 8 | 0 |
| February | 31°C / 88°F | 22°C / 72°F | 65 mm | 6 | 0 |
| March | 32°C / 90°F | 23°C / 73°F | 135 mm | 10 | 0 |
| April | 32°C / 90°F | 24°C / 75°F | 235 mm | 15 | 0 |
| May | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 77°F | 395 mm | 21 | 0 |
| June | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 225 mm | 19 | 0 |
| July | 29°C / 84°F | 25°C / 77°F | 135 mm | 15 | 0 |
| August | 29°C / 84°F | 25°C / 77°F | 115 mm | 15 | 0 |
| September | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 170 mm | 16 | 0 |
| October | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 75°F | 360 mm | 21 | 0 |
| November | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 330 mm | 18 | 0 |
| December | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 165 mm | 12 | 0 |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Colombo in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Colombo in January?
In January, Colombo averages a high of 31°C (88°F) and a low of 22°C (72°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Colombo in January?
January sees occasional rain in Colombo, with about 8 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Colombo?
January is hot. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Colombo in January?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full January packing list for Colombo for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.