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This pearl – shaped Island of 25,332 sq miles (65,608 sq km) is subject to two monsoons, the northeast & the southwest. The northeast monsoon, Usually in November to February brings rain to the dry northern & eastern parts of the island. The central hill region & the southern & western coasts receive most of their rain with the arrival of the southwest monsoon in May. Usually lasting through September. Even during the monsoon season, most days are sunny with rain generally falling the afternoon & evening.
Located off
the southeast tip of India approximately 400(miles) (644Km) north of the
equator, temperatures are high throughout the year. The low – lying coastal
regions are the warmest: but the mercury falls as you climb in to the hill.
In Colombo,
the average annual temperature is 27 °C (80°F). In Kandy, at an altitude of
1000 feet (305meters), the temperature falls to an average of 20 °C (68°F). At
"Nuwara Eliya" nestled height in the hills at 6200 feet (1890 meters). The
temperature averages 16 °C (61°F) & can become quite chilly in the night.
On rare occasions, there have been frosts.
The highest
temperatures are usually reached between March & June. While November to
January are considered to be the coolest months. In Sri Lanka the difference
between the “Hot” & “Cold” season is only a matter of a few degrees.
However the ocean remains a constant 27 °C (80°F) all year long.
During October
& November, there is an “Inter monsoon” season when rain and thunder –
storms can appear anywhere. But don’t let this talk of rain keep you away: Sri Lanka n rains are usually delightful. One
moment it is hot & stuffy. Then all of a sudden the sky opens up &
drops buckets of cool, refreshing rain. The plants release the most aromatic
perfumes, the roads are filled with a myriad of miniature lakes and best of
all, and the ever present mosquitoes disappear. Then just as suddenly as it
started the rains stop & the sun is shining once again.
