January in Yala averages 30C by day and 23C at night, with 79 mm of rain over about 11 wet days. It is the 5th driest month of the year.
What to Expect
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 30C by day, 23C at night |
| Rainfall | 79 mm, about 11 wet days |
Averages for 2015 to 2024 from the Open-Meteo weather archive.
Events and Festivals
- No major events
What to Do This Season
- Peak leopard spotting season
- Comfortable temperatures for early morning safaris
- Clear skies for photography
What to Watch Out For
- Book safaris well in advance
- Popular with international tourists
What to Wear
Light cotton clothing, sun hat, sturdy walking shoes
Is It Worth Visiting Now?
Yes - excellent weather and wildlife viewing conditions with minimal rainfall
More on Yala
Flexible on dates? Compare Yala in December and Yala in February. The best time to visit Yala sets all twelve months side by side. For what is open and worth it, see the things to do in Yala. The main Yala page covers costs and transport.
We plan trips to Yala and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.

