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When to go · Colombo

Colombo in October

Avoid month. Inter-monsoon thunderstorms; heavy afternoon rain.

Key facts

Verdict
Avoid
Temperature
29°C (84°F) / 24°C (75°F)
average high / low
Rain days
18
Crowds
Low
Sri Lanka overall
Prices
Low
Sri Lanka overall

Verdict

AvoidVoykit month rating for Colombo

Inter-monsoon thunderstorms; heavy afternoon rain.

All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.

Is another month better than October?

October is rated avoid. These months rate higher:

Weather in October

Long-term averages
  • ColomboHighs around 29 °C (84 °F), lows around 24 °C (75 °F), rain on about 18 days
  • West and south coast, Sri Lanka · Colombo, Negombo, Bentota, Galle, Mirissarainy

    South-west monsoon May–Sep brings rough seas and red flags; October–November inter-monsoon storms are heavy in Colombo.

Inter-monsoon season

Afternoon thunderstorms are the pattern; mornings are often clear.

Watch: Plan outdoor time before midday.

Festivals and holidays

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

  • Deepavali check

    October or November (lunar) · Hindu neighbourhoods, kovils near Pettah

    Lights and sweets around Hindu temples; a quieter city-wide event than Vesak.

Crowds and prices

Crowds · Sri Lanka overall
Low
Prices · Sri Lanka overall
Low

Sri Lanka overall: Inter-monsoon rains across the island; flooding and landslides possible.

Compare two months

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Colombo, side by side.

  • Verdict

    Oct: Avoid

    Jan: Great (better)

  • Daytime high

    Oct: 29 °C (84 °F)

    Jan: 30 °C (86 °F)

  • Night low

    Oct: 24 °C (75 °F)

    Jan: 23 °C (73 °F)

  • Rain days

    Oct: 18

    Jan: 6 (better)

  • Crowds

    Oct: Low

    Jan: High

  • Prices

    Oct: Low

    Jan: High

  • Festivals listed

    Oct: 1

    Jan: 2

October: Inter-monsoon thunderstorms; heavy afternoon rain.

January: Driest and coolest month for the west coast; warm all the same.

Colombo: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.

What to pack

  • A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Across Sri Lanka in October →