Weather in Galle in January

How January compares

January is the 5th warmest month of the year in Galle and ranks 15th of 134 destinations we compare for January - see where else is hot in January. Against London's average high of 7.4°C in January, Galle is 21.0°C warmer by day and 21.4°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in January

The typical January day in Galle peaks at 28.4°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 29.5°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and 1 in 22 pass 30°C. Nights average 23.6°C; one night in ten drops to 22.5°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest January day here reached 32.7°C (2020-01-23) and the coldest night 19.9°C (2018-01-08).

Rain in January

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 17 days with 1 mm or more, 116 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest January was 2006 with 248 mm, the driest 1997 with 21 mm. Humidity averages 83%, which makes the heat feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Sea temperature in January

The sea averages 27.7°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 27.2°C to 28.2°C. For the warmest sea here, come in April (29.5°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 3.9 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.7 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:24 and sets about 18:12 local time in mid-January. Average cloud cover is 66%.

Is January a good time to visit Galle?

It is a reasonable choice: hot days but expect showers. The best months for Galle on our scoring are March, February, January; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Hot days, warm nights and comfortable sea temperatures

Galle is around 21°C warmer than London by day in January, so the change on arrival is substantial. Humidity averages 83%, which can make the heat feel more demanding than the temperature alone suggests. Loose, breathable clothes are a better choice than heavy fabrics, and taking things gently at midday makes sense. Evenings offer limited cooling rather than a proper break from the warmth; somewhere comfortable to sleep matters if you dislike warm nights. The sea averages 27.7°C, making swimming appealing on temperature grounds. That warmth does not tell you about waves or currents, so check local conditions before entering the water.

Plan for rain rather than a cloudless beach holiday

January brings about 3.9 hours of sunshine within 11.7 hours of daylight, so there is plenty of daylight but much less guaranteed sun. Rain on about 17 days is frequent enough to affect a holiday, although a rainy day does not necessarily mean an entirely wet day. The figures do not establish when rain falls, so avoid relying on a dry morning or an evening shower pattern. Take a compact umbrella and a light waterproof, and leave room to rearrange outdoor time. January still sits among Galle's best-rated months, behind March and February, but that makes it a relatively favourable choice here, not a promise of dry weather.