Driest Cities in Sri Lanka

Top 72 cities ranked by driest cities

Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Rent Lowest Rent Most Educated Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Safest Cities Highest Crime Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities

All Countries · Sri Lanka

Driest Cities — Sri Lanka

1 Ambalantota 34 40.2"

2 Hambantota 34 40.2"

3 Mannar 38 40.9"

4 Kataragama 35 41.7"

5 Puttalam 32 42.3"

6 Jaffna 38 50.9"

7 Anuradhapura 30 52.3"

8 Valvedditturai 38 53.3"

9 Point Pedro 38 53.3"

10 Kilinochchi 38 53.5"

11 Vavuniya 38 54.1"

12 Wattegama 35 56.2"

13 Trincomalee 37 56.5"

14 Keppapularu 38 57.6"

15 Mullaittivu 38 57.6"

16 Chilaw 32 59.0"

17 Dambulla 29 60.3"

18 Pottuvil 37 60.3"

19 Vakarai 37 61.9"

20 Monaragala 35 64.4"

21 Kalmunai 37 65.9"

22 Batticaloa 37 66.0"

23 Eravur Town 37 66.3"

24 Tangalle 34 66.6"

25 Beliatta 34 66.6"

26 Polonnaruwa 30 67.4"

27 Wellawaya 35 68.4"

28 Ampara 37 68.9"

29 Badulla 35 72.8"

30 Kuliyapitiya 32 80.6"

31 Devinuwara 34 81.2"

32 Matara 34 81.2"

33 Negombo 36 82.6"

34 Katunayaka 36 82.6"

35 Nuwara Eliya 29 84.6"

36 Kurunegala 32 86.6"

37 Matale 29 86.7"

38 Ja Ela 36 93.7"

39 Gampaha 36 93.7"

40 Minuwangoda 36 93.7"

41 Kandana 36 93.7"

42 Welisara 36 93.7"

43 Weligama 34 93.8"

44 Kandy 29 101.2"

45 Mulleriyawa 36 106.0"

46 Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte 36 106.0"

47 Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia 36 106.0"

48 Hendala 36 106.0"

49 Battaramulla South 36 106.0"

50 Pita Kotte 36 106.0"

51 Peliyagoda 36 106.0"

52 Kotikawatta 36 106.0"

53 Wattala 36 106.0"

54 Kelaniya 36 106.0"

55 Colombo 36 106.0"

56 Maharagama 36 106.0"

57 Kolonnawa 36 106.0"

58 Kegalle 33 109.3"

59 Moratuwa 36 115.0"

60 Panadura 36 115.0"

61 Galle 34 116.7"

62 Hatton 29 118.3"

63 Kalutara 36 119.3"

64 Gampola 29 119.6"

65 Bentota 34 120.9"

66 Beruwala 36 120.9"

67 Ambalangoda 34 126.9"

68 Hanwella Ihala 36 132.8"

69 Homagama 36 132.8"

70 Horawala Junction 36 136.1"

71 Horana South 36 142.1"

72 Ratnapura 33 164.0"

The driest cities in Sri Lanka receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Ambalantota receives just 40.2 inches of precipitation annually.

Dry climates offer benefits including more sunny days, less seasonal affective disorder, lower humidity, and reduced mold and allergen concerns. These cities are often located in the desert Southwest or other arid regions with dramatic natural landscapes.

Water management is a critical concern for the driest cities, many of which rely on distant water sources, desalination, or strict conservation measures. As populations grow in these areas, sustainable water use and drought resilience become increasingly important priorities.

Did You Know?

1. Ambalantota gets just 40.2" of precipitation per year — less than many cities get in a single month.
2. Most of the driest cities are in the desert Southwest, where evaporation often exceeds precipitation by a factor of 10 or more.
3. Water conservation is a way of life in these cities, with many implementing xeriscaping requirements and water usage restrictions.

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