Jaffna
City in Sri Lanka
Jaffna is located in northern Sri Lanka. This city had a population of about 88,000 in 2012 and serves as a cultural hub featuring sites like the Nallur Kandaswamy temple, the historic Jaffna Fort, and the Jaffna Public Library.
What to see
The city features several notable landmarks. The Nallur Kandaswamy temple is a primary site, while the Jaffna Fort offers a look at the city's architecture. The Jaffna Public Library is another site of interest. Visitors may also look at the Nagadeepa Purana Vihara.
When to go
The weather is generally warm throughout the year, with averages ranging from 25 °C to 29 °C. The driest months are February, March, and June, which have relatively low rainfall. Travelers should prepare for heavy rain from October through December, when rainfall totals are significantly higher and rainy days occur frequently.
Getting there
Jaffna is 308 km from the capital, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. The nearest airport is Jaffna International Airport, located 15 km from the city.
Top sights in Jaffna
Weather by month
The warmest month is May, averaging 29 °C. The wettest is November, with about 373 mm of rain.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperature, °C | 25 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 26 |
| Rainfall, mm | 75 | 39 | 34 | 58 | 59 | 22 | 38 | 50 | 80 | 211 | 373 | 223 |
| Rainy days | 7 | 5 | 5 | 12 | 15 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 24 | 25 | 19 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Jaffna (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Nagadeepa Purana Vihara