Colombo in October
In October, Colombo averages 30°C (86°F) during the day and 24°C (75°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 21 days of the month see precipitation (360 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
October offers comfortable temperatures in Colombo, with some rain to plan around.
How October compares to the rest of the year in Colombo
October is in the middle of the year for warmth in Colombo (8th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. October runs roughly the same as September (30°C) and stays flat into November.
October sunrise & sunset in Colombo
Times shown for Colombo local time (Asia/Colombo), calculated for the 15th of October. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Colombo — October
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of October, in Colombo's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Colombo in October
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 October's tier (Shoulder) and Colombo's popularity.
October in Sri Lanka — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
India's biggest festival of light. Cities are stunningly decorated but very crowded; air quality in Delhi NCR plummets due to fireworks and crop burning. Hotels surge 50-100%.
Plan: Worth seeing once, but Delhi air quality is genuinely hazardous post-Diwali. Mumbai, Jaipur, Udaipur are safer for visitors.
Crowds & pricing — October 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 — October 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 October weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Colombo in October →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Colombo in October?
In October, Colombo averages a high of 30°C (86°F) and a low of 24°C (75°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Colombo in October?
October is quite rainy in Colombo, with about 21 rainy days on average.
Is October a good time to visit Colombo?
October is hot but on the rainy side. 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 October?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full October packing list for Colombo for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.