Quick answer
February is a good month to visit Colombo. The weather is dry and sunny, around 30 to 31°C, with comfortable evenings. Independence Day on 4 February brings a formal parade and road closures, and the Navam Perahera procession fills the streets around Gangaramaya Temple on and around the February full moon. Spend a day exploring the Fort and Pettah, Gangaramaya, the National Museum and Galle Face Green at sunset. Expect heavy traffic and plan around the event closures.
Key takeaways
- Colombo is dry and sunny in February, around 30 to 31°C.
- Independence Day on 4 February brings a parade and road closures.
- The Navam Perahera at Gangaramaya falls on and around the February full moon.
- Galle Face Green at sunset is the city's best free evening.
- Traffic is heavy, so group sights by area and travel outside rush hours.
Colombo's weather in February
Colombo is on the west coast and in its dry season in February. Days are sunny and warm, around 30 to 31°C, with warm evenings of about 24°C. Rain is uncommon, though a short evening shower is possible.
Humidity is lower than at many other times of year, and a sea breeze makes the evenings along the seafront pleasant. The strongest sun is between 11am and 3pm, best spent indoors at museums or cafes.
February is one of the most comfortable months to walk around the city, especially in the morning and late afternoon.
- →Sunny and warm, 30 to 31°C.
- →Comfortable evenings by the sea.
- →Rain uncommon.
Independence Day and the Navam Perahera
Independence Day on 4 February marks the end of British rule in 1948. A formal parade with military displays is held in Colombo, and roads around the venue are closed for the day and for rehearsals in the days before. Government offices and many businesses close.
The Navam Perahera is held by Gangaramaya Temple on and around the February full moon poya. Decorated elephants, dancers, drummers and fire performers parade through the streets near Beira Lake in the evening, drawing large crowds. Exact dates change each year, so check before travelling.
On the poya day itself, alcohol sales stop and many shops close. The temple is busy with devotees, and the atmosphere around Gangaramaya is festive.
- →4 February: Independence Day parade and closures.
- →Navam full moon: perahera around Gangaramaya.
- →Poya day: no alcohol sales, many shops closed.
What to see in Colombo
Gangaramaya Temple is an eclectic temple near Beira Lake, filled with statues, relics and gifts from around the world. The nearby Seema Malaka, a meditation pavilion on the lake, is calm and photogenic.
The Fort and Pettah districts are the old commercial heart, with colonial buildings, the Old Dutch Hospital, the Red Mosque and busy markets. A guided walk helps make sense of the area.
The National Museum in Cinnamon Gardens holds royal regalia, ancient sculpture and colonial artefacts. Independence Square and Viharamahadevi Park are nearby. In the evening, Galle Face Green is where Colombo comes to fly kites, eat street food and watch the sun set over the ocean.
For a slower afternoon, the Colombo Dutch Museum in Pettah and the art galleries around Cinnamon Gardens are cool, quiet places to wait out the midday sun. Shopping for tea, spices, handloom textiles and gems is easiest in the department stores and design shops along the main roads south of Fort.
- →Gangaramaya and Seema Malaka.
- →Fort and Pettah.
- →National Museum.
- →Galle Face Green at sunset.
Food and evenings
Colombo has the best restaurant scene in Sri Lanka, from street food stalls at Galle Face to fine dining in Cinnamon Gardens. Crab curry, hoppers, kottu and seafood are local favourites to try.
The Old Dutch Hospital and the Fort area have restaurants and bars in restored colonial buildings. Rooftop bars offer views over the city and the ocean.
Remember that alcohol is not sold on poya days. If you are in Colombo on the Navam full moon, plan your celebratory dinner for another night.
Practical tips
Traffic in Colombo is heavy, especially at rush hours. Group sights by area: Fort and Pettah together, Gangaramaya with Beira Lake, the museum with Viharamahadevi Park. Tuk-tuks with meters or ride-hailing apps are the easiest way to get around.
One day is enough for the main sights. Many travellers spend a night in Colombo at the start or end of their trip, or stay in Negombo near the airport.
The planners at Lankan Stays & Trails can time a Colombo night to coincide with the Navam Perahera or avoid Independence Day closures, depending on what you prefer.
Frequently asked questions
Is February a good time to visit Colombo?
Yes. February is dry and sunny, with comfortable evenings. Independence Day and the Navam Perahera make it one of the city's most interesting months. Expect road closures around Independence Day and crowds around Gangaramaya on the perahera nights.
What happens on Independence Day in Colombo?
A formal parade with military displays is held in Colombo on 4 February. Roads around the venue are closed, with rehearsals in the days before. Government offices and many businesses close. Outside the parade area, the city is quieter than usual.
When is the Navam Perahera in Colombo?
On and around the February full moon poya, usually over two evenings. Dates change each year with the lunar calendar, so check before travelling. The procession of elephants, dancers and drummers moves through the streets near Gangaramaya Temple and Beira Lake.
How many days do I need in Colombo?
One day is enough for the main sights, such as Gangaramaya, Fort and Pettah, the National Museum and Galle Face Green. Two days allows for a slower pace and time for food and shopping. Many travellers spend one night at the start or end of a trip.
Is Colombo hot in February?
Warm, around 30 to 31°C by day, with comfortable evenings. Humidity is lower than at many other times of year, and the sea breeze helps. The strongest sun is between 11am and 3pm, a good time for museums, lunch or cafes.
Can I drink alcohol in Colombo on the Navam full moon?
Alcohol is not sold in shops or most bars on poya days, including the Navam full moon. Some hotels may serve guests in private areas, but it is best to plan a celebratory dinner for another night if alcohol is important.