What March feels like in Colombo
March is part of Colombo's dry season, when rain totals drop well below the wet months. 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. Thick, humid air means clothes cling and the heat feels stronger than the number.
Rain in Colombo in March
Dry days are the exception, with rain on about every other day. Each rainy day adds about 7 mm (0.3 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 10 mm per rainy day. It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in March
Mid-month, Colombo gets 12 h 4 min of daylight, from sunrise near 6:18 am to sunset near 6:22 pm. Days are getting longer: 10 min more daylight than in mid-February. Close to the equator, sunrise and sunset times move very little through the year. About 90% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, skies are mostly clear.
How March compares to the rest of the year
March is the 2nd warmest month of the year in Colombo. It is about as warm as February, with 64 mm more rain. Temperatures barely move from one month to the next here. The next month's average high: 30.7°C (87.3°F).
Who March 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 March
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Sun Protection
Protect yourself from strong sun: hat, SPF and plenty of water.
Quick questions
How warm is Colombo in March?
Afternoons average 31.1°C (88°F) and nights about 24.2°C (75.6°F) — hot by most people's standards. It is the 2nd warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Colombo in March?
Quite a lot — 126 mm spread over about 18 days.
What should I wear in Colombo in March?
Pack rain protection and sun protection. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is March or April better for visiting Colombo?
March, narrowly: it ranks #3 of 12 among Colombo's months, against #5 for the other. April has more rainy days.