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Does It Snow In Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is located north of the equator in the Indian Ocean and has a tropical climate with hot and humid weather throughout the year. 

The country has two zones: the wet zone that spreads over the South Western area and the island mountain mass or the Central Highlands. The dry zone covers the Northern plains, Northern central plains, Eastern plains along with the Northern and Eastern coastal belts.

Although the country’s weather patterns are well-defined, sometimes it might experience unexpected heavy rainfall or heat waves due to the dramatic global climatic change.

When does it snow in Sri Lanka?

The monsoon winds determine rainfall patterns in Sri Lanka, and the rainiest regions are the coastal region around Colombo and the south-western mountain slopes. The country rains go as high as 99 inches (2500 mm) per year, with maxima in the two peaks

The country experience two peaks in rains: It rains and snows the most in April and May in the southwest and interior from October to December, which is influenced by the retreating monsoon, affecting the entire country.

These regions also experience high snowfall amounts with an average of 6 inches (152 mm) per year. The country rains go as high as 80 inches (2032 mm) per year with maxima in the two peaks. Temperatures range between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit (25 and 30 degrees Celsius) annually. 

Where does it snow in Sri Lanka?

As earlier stated, it snows heavily in the coastal regions and south-western mountain slopes. It snows the most in these specific areas:

Snow in Colombo

Located on the south-western side, Colombo is the rainiest and snowiest part in Sri Lanka. The region experiences approximately 99 inches (2500 mm) of rain annually, and the snowfall exceeds 9.5 inches (240 mm) per month in the two peaks. Be sure to throw an extra layer of clothes when visiting Sri Lanka this time of the year. 

Snow in Galle

Galle, situated in the extreme southwest, receives more rain than Colombo in July and August, approximately 95 inches (2400 mm) per year. Even so, the rains drop to acceptable levels from January to March. It snows about 8 inches (203 mm) annually in Galle.

Snow in Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is 1900 meters or 6200 ft above sea level with spring-like temperatures all year round. It might be a bit cold at night between December and March. The region experiences about 75 inches (1900 mm) of rainfall annually, the same as Kandy.

Sri Lanka ski resorts

Notwithstanding the fact that Sri Lanka is an equatorial place where rains might be irregular from one year to another, you will have some skiing experience in Amethyst Resort Passikudah, Blue Beach, Club Bentota, Club Villa, Hilton Colombo, Hotel Lagoonvilla, among other places.

Maybe you have checked your gears, waxed your skis, and dying to show your skiing skills. Don’t worry! There are snow-groomed slopes and spots close to the mountains to fit you. There is no winter vacation like snow activities, especially with family.

Learn more about the country

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