What November feels like in Colombo
November falls in Colombo's wet season — the rainfall numbers rise clearly above the dry 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. The air is muggy, so it feels hotter than the thermometer suggests.
Rain in Colombo in November
Rain is part of normal life this month, falling on most days. When rain comes it is heavy, about 15.6 mm (0.6 in) per wet day, often in short, strong bursts. That is heavier than Colombo's usual 10 mm per rainy day across the year. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in November
In mid-November, sunrise is at about 6:01 am and sunset at about 5:50 pm (local time) — 11 h 49 min of daylight. Days are getting shorter: 10 min less daylight than in mid-October. Close to the equator, sunrise and sunset times move very little through the year. Measured sunshine covers about 69% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How November compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, November comes out as the 6th coolest month in Colombo. It is about as warm as October, with 9 mm less rain. Temperatures barely move from one month to the next here. December averages a high of 29.2°C (84.6°F).
Who November 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 November
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 November?
Expect around 28.9°C (84°F) in the afternoon and 23.5°C (74.3°F) at night, which most visitors would call hot.
Does it rain a lot in Colombo in November?
Yes, fairly — rain falls most days and totals about 373 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Colombo in November?
The numbers point to rain protection and sun protection. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is November or December better for visiting Colombo?
December scores better on our climate ranking (#4 of 12 vs #6), rated Fair against Fair. December has fewer rainy days.