What August feels like in Colombo
August sits between Colombo's dry and wet seasons. Afternoons are hot, so sightseeing works best in the morning or evening. There is little difference between day and night: nights stay warm, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. The air is muggy, so it feels hotter than the thermometer suggests.
Rain in Colombo in August
August is persistently wet here: some rain falls on most days. A rainy day brings about 8.2 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. Across the year Colombo averages about 10 mm per rainy day, so August is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in August
Mid-month, Colombo gets 12 h 21 min of daylight, from sunrise near 6:05 am to sunset near 6:26 pm. Day length barely changes from mid-July (8 min shorter). Close to the equator, sunrise and sunset times move very little through the year. About 78% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How August compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, August comes out as the coolest month in Colombo. It is about as warm as July, with 6 mm more rain. Temperatures barely move from one month to the next here. September averages a high of 28.5°C (83.3°F).
Who August suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Colombo in August
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses; light breathable clothes.
Quick questions
How warm is Colombo in August?
It feels hot: typical highs are 28.4°C (83.1°F), with lows near 24.9°C (76.8°F).
Does it rain a lot in Colombo in August?
It does: about 29 rainy days bring roughly 238 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Colombo in August?
Based on the averages: rain protection and sun protection. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is August or September better for visiting Colombo?
On our 12-month climate ranking, September comes out ahead (#7 of 12 vs #10). September has fewer rainy days.