YALA WEATHER SEASONS
Overview
Yala National Park is the large dry zone jungle and forest area covering large areas of the south-eastern part of the island down to the south-east curve of the coast line.
Yala is a protected area where it is intended to conserve the environment, the biodiversity, the flora and fauna and this sanctuary is arguably the most well known and visited of Sri Lanka’s national parks.
Seasons and rainfall
Yala National Park is situated in what is known as the southern and eastern Sri Lankan dry climate zone.
This main safari area of the national park is dominated by long drought periods.
Yala Block 1 is part of the driest parts of the national park, it is in the extreme southern part of Yala where the climate most years is semi-arid and can feel dry like a desert.
When is the rain fall ?
In this region – which follows the coastline – the mean annual rainfall 500 mm
Rain falls mainly during the northeast monsoon in the months of November, December and January.
Then, from the beginning of February until mid October there is very little rain – if any rainfall at all.
Occasional freak weather does occur and heavy showers might be experienced when it is most unexpected …. .
Showers can happen in the ‘intermediate monsoonal period’ in mid April but not every year.
During the November – end of January northeast monsoon water is abundant with plenty of temporary water puddles everywhere.
Water reservoirs scattered around Yala Block 1 will keep a stock of water for a long time into the dry part of the year.
In the dry season surface water increasingly becomes a scarce resource and the numerous man-made lakes in Yala block 1 are essential water holes for the birds and wildlife.