End of the wetter season · Weather & things to do
Ella in January
Little changes in Ella from December: highs stay near 73°F (23°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), and about 5.7 in (144 mm) of rain falls.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 63/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 73°F (23°C)
- Avg low
- 59°F (15°C)
- Rain
- 5.7 in (144 mm)
- Humidity
- 89%
- Cloud cover
- 62%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 39 min
- Comfort score
- 63/100 · Good
What January feels like
Highs settle around 73°F (23°C), warm enough for short sleeves.
Lows average 59°F (15°C).
Rain is a real factor, with about 5.7 in (144 mm) across the month.
Plan around January
January sits mid-table; the best months are June – August.
- Comfort improves from 46/100 in December to 63/100.
- January sits inside the Dec – Apr window our Sri Lanka: Rock Forts to the South Coast route recommends.
What to pack for January
- Light, breathable clothes73°F afternoons
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes5.7 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Ella in January
January is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Cafe Chill
Large open-air main-street restaurant serving Sri Lankan and Western dishes.
Why now January scores 63/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Ella Rock
Harder half-day hike along rail tracks and through forest to a cliff-top viewpoint.
Why now Highs near 73°F and 5.7 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nanu Oya to Ella train
Three-hour ride over the high plateau via Ohiya and Haputale, through tea country, tunnels and cloud forest.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Ravana Falls
Tiered roadside waterfall below Ella linked to the Ramayana legend.
Lipton's Seat
Lookout in the Dambatenne estate where Thomas Lipton surveyed his tea empire.
Nearby in January
- Kandy in January~41 mi · highs 78°F, 4.6 in rain · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, drier
- Sigiriya & Dambulla in January~78 mi · highs 81°F, 3.6 in rain · 5°C (8°F) warmer by day, drier
- Galle in January~81 mi · highs 83°F, 3.7 in rain · 6°C (10°F) warmer by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~400 m to Ella's ~975 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Ella in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Ella?
It's middling, scoring 63/100. The best months are June – August, at up to 83. Expect highs of 73°F (23°C) and 5.7 in (144 mm) of rain. January is inside the Dec – Apr window our Sri Lanka: Rock Forts to the South Coast route recommends.
How hot is Ella in January?
Average highs are 73°F (23°C) and average lows 59°F (15°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Ella in January?
Yes: about 5.7 in (144 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 66.7 in (1695 mm).
What should I pack for Ella in January?
Bring light, breathable clothes (73°F afternoons), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (5.7 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in January
- Sri Lanka: Rock Forts to the South Coast Dec – Apr
Planning Ella in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.