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Geography & Climate of Sri Lanka

Geography & Climate of Sri Lanka

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Geography

Sri Lanka, an island in the Indian Ocean, is separated from India by the Palk Strait, 48km wide stretch of water. The total land area is 65,525 km with internal waters being 1,570 km Most of the island is low-lying yet astonishingly varied. A length of 435km and breadth of 240km encompass beautiful tropical beaches, verdant vegetation, ancient monuments and a thousand delights to please all tastes. The relief features of the island consist of a mountainous mass somewhat south of the centre, with height exceeding 2,500 metres, surrounded by broad plains. The mountainous region of the island is gifted with around 100 waterfalls, while giving birth to numerous rivers, of which the longest at 335km. Palm fringed beaches surround the island and the sea temperature rarely falls below 27°C.


Climate

Sri Lanka generally offers warmth and sunshine throughout the year. Temperatures average between 27°C–30°C in Colombo and coasts, and peak in April. They average about 10°C cooler in the hill country. Sri Lanka lies 400 miles north of the equator and is affected by two Southeast Asian monsoons. The Southwest monsoon brings most rain to Colombo and the south and west coasts in May and June. The inter–monsoon affects the months of October and early November, although at all times of year sunshine is plenty and at most time’s rain falls in heavy bursts at night. The Northeast monsoon affects the North and East between December and February. Rainfall is becoming increasingly unpredictable. On average it varies from 1000mm (39in) - 5,000mm (197in) throughout the year. The North and East are dryer, while the western slopes of the central highlands are considered wet. Humidity ranges between 70%–90% in Colombo, lowerin the highlands and cultural triangle. Key advice: Protect yourself from the sun with creams, hats and sunglasses, drink plenty of bottled water to avoid dehydration and stay safely indoors in the event of a thunderstorm .


Climate and Seasons

 Temperature Chart



Districts

 

January – April

 

May – August

 

September –

Decembe

 

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Colombo

30°C

22°C

30°C

24°C

29°C

22°C

Kandy

31°C

17°C

29°C

21°C

28°C

18°C

Nuwara Eliya

21°C

14°C

18°C

16°C

18°C

15°C

Trincomalee

32°C

24°C

33°C

25°C

33°C

23°C