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Best Time To Visit Sri Lanka
Coastal cities, ancient temples and jungle-clad beaches are part of what makes Sri Lanka so captivating. Shrouded in mystical beauty and allure, the country has become popular amongst travellers looking for a beach destination with cultural charm. Sri Lanka’s shores stretch for miles, be ready to experience everything from lively beach scenes to romantic hidden coves.
Average weather in Sri Lanka
- Temperature (°C)*
- Rainfall (Inches)*
Weather in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s proximity to the equator means that the island experiences tropical, balmy weather throughout the year. Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons, meaning that while one region may be soaked with storms, the other side is drenched in sunshine.
Seasonality in Sri Lanka
The Yala monsoon season affects the south, west and Hill Country from May – August. The Maha monsoon affects the northern and eastern regions of the country and lasts from November – March. There is also an inter-monsoonal season between October - November, which brings some evening rain and storms across the whole island. Sri Lanka has two shoulder seasons (September – October and April), which sees a mixture of rainy and sunny days.
Peak season in Sri Lanka
Peak season kicks off in December – April, this is when the south and west experience the best weather. The average temperature during peak season ranges from 26–30°C, perfect for a day at the beach! Colombo, Galle, Mirissa, Weligama, Bentota and Kalpitiya are particularly popular during this time. Take the opportunity to visit Yala National Park and tour the cultural triangle, as there’s no need to stress about being caught in the rain.
Low season in Sri Lanka
Low season begins in May, which marks the beginning of monsoon season in the southwest and the Hill Country. The southwest monsoon season lasts until August, making it a quiet time for tourism, especially in the beach towns. The wettest conditions usually appear from April – June. Despite the low season, many festivals take place during this period, such as Esala Perahera in Kandy. The northeast experiences a heavier monsoon season between October – January.
An island escape awaits you
Wild safaris
Discover ancient kingdomsPhoto credit: Sri Lanka Tourism
Pristine beaches
Scenic beatuy
Cultural festivals & celebrations Photo credit: Sri Lanka Tourism
Holidays in Sri Lanka
The best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on which regions you want to visit and what you want to experience. Head to the south for tropical beaches and coconut groves, visit the north for an abundance of cultural festivals and ancient cities. This tropical island has so much to offer, but the climate can get a little confusing when it comes to booking a holiday. To help plan your perfect getaway, read our expert guide to the best times to visit...
Sri Lanka is fringed by a coastline of shimmering colours and dazzling beaches. Visit the western and southern coasts between December and April to make the most of the fine weather and beautiful surroundings. From July to September, the beaches on the north and east coasts enjoy glorious sunshine and ideal bathing conditions.
The crystalline waters of the Indian Ocean are home to a number of divine snorkelling and diving spots. The best time to experience Sri Lanka’s aquatic world is from November - April. If you’re visiting the northeast coast, you’ll get the best visibility in April - October. Take a trip to Pigeon Island, Hikkaduwa and Nilaveli for pristine clear waters, incredible coral reefs and a myriad of marine life.
Sri Lanka is an excellent year-round surfing destination, given that each coast has its own surf season! If you’re travelling during the European winter season (November – March), the west coast is the place to go. Between January and April experiences the best surfing conditions along the west coast, as well as temperatures of up to 30°C.
If you’re travelling between April – October, visit the east coast for the best surfing experience. Arugam Bay and Pottuvil Point are particularly popular with surfers, so be sure to check out these hot spots! May, June and July are also great times to hit the waves along the east coast.
Month by month guide to visiting Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka in January
The weather is warm and dry in January, average temperatures range from 22-31°C. This month lands in the peak season due to an abundance of sunshine and clear skies. There are also lots of cultural festivities this month, such as the Duruthu Perahera and Thai Pongal.
Sri Lanka in February
The weather in February is warm and dry, average temperatures range from 23°C - 31°C. This month sees plenty of sunshine, with 12 hours of daylight giving plenty of time to hit the beach.
Independence Day, held on 4th February, is one of the most important events in the calendar. The whole country celebrates with parades, fireworks and cultural performances. Don’t miss out on the main festival in Sri Lanka, Navam Perahera on 16th February. The event was first celebrated in 1979 at the Gangaramaya temple in Colombo, now, it’s a grand festival celebrated with dancers, flag bearers, elephants and drummers.
Sri Lanka in March
The weather is warm and dry in March, average temperatures range from 24°C - 31°C. This month sees 9 hours of sunshine and plenty of clear skies. Maha Shivarathri is a Hindu festival honouring the marriage of Shiva to Parvati. Celebrations include prayers, vigils, meditation rituals and parties at home and temples all over the country.
Sri Lanka in April
The weather in April is hot and dry across the island, average temperatures range from 25°C - 32°C. This month sees 9 hours of sunshine and plenty of clear skies. Sinhala and Tamil New Year, the traditional New Year of the Sinhalese people is celebrated by most Sri Lankans. The island comes alive with vibrant festivities and families celebrating together.
Sri Lanka in May
The weather in May is hot and humid due to the start of the monsoon season, average temperatures range from 26°C - 31°C. Southwestern regions experience several hours of rainfall per day.
Vesak Festival is an important Buddhist festival, usually celebrated in May or early June. It marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of the historical Buddha. The celebrations last for a week, beginning on the full moon. Expect streets full of colourful lanterns to brighten up the villages throughout the festivities.
Sri Lanka in June
The southwestern monsoon period continues through June, the weather is hot, wet and humid. Average temperatures range from 26°C - 30°C. The southwest regions experience heavy rainfall, the northwest region is dry and cloudy, and the east coast is usually hot and dry.
Poson Festival, also known as Poson Poya, is another important Buddhist festival. It commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Grand celebrations are held at Mihintale, near Anuradhapura.
Sri Lanka in July
The monsoon period continues throughout July in the southwest regions, the weather is humid, wet and muggy. Average temperatures range from 25°C - 30°C. The east coast is dry and sunny, experiencing 12 hours of sunshine a day.
July is filled with festivals and religious events. One of the most important is Kataragama Festival. Pilgrims travel from all over Sri Lanka to the Kataragama shrine in the southern part of the country. Aadi Vel, or Vel Festival, celebrates the Hindu war god Skanda. Kandy Perahera, also known as The Festival of the Tooth, is one of the oldest and grandest Buddhist festivals held in Sri Lanka. Expect elegant costumes, dancers, jugglers, musicians and fire artists.
Sri Lanka in August
The weather in August is wet and humid in southwest regions. Average temperatures range from 25°C - 30°C. Eastern regions are usually sunny, humid and dry, with around 7 hours of sunshine.
Sometimes Kandy Perahera falls in August depending on the lunisolar calendar. Held in the north of the island, in Jaffna, the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil Festival is Sri Lanka’s longest holy festival – lasting 25 days! Thousands of devotees flock to the Nallur Kandaswamy temple for the celebrations.
Sri Lanka in September
September marks the last month of the southwestern monsoon season. The weather in this region is humid and wet, average temperatures range from 25°C - 30°C. Northeast regions are also affected by some rainfall towards the end of the month. Visit the Minneriya National Park to watch around 300 elephants gather together during this period.
Sri Lanka in October
October is one of the wettest months in all regions of the island. Average temperatures range from 24°C - 30°C. Towards the end of the month, rainfall begins to calm down in southwestern regions, while becoming heavier in north-eastern parts.
Deepavali, also known as Diwali or the Festival of Lights, is celebrated in October or November each year. It commemorates the symbolic triumphing of good over evil. Homes are lit up with lamps and colourful lights, gifts are exchanged, treats are shared, and fireworks are set off.
Sri Lanka in November
The southwest experience warm days and sunshine with the chance of some downpours, while north-eastern regions experience monsoon season. Average temperatures range from 23°C - 30°C.
November is the start of the migration season for several species – blue whales can be spotted off Mirissa, Spinner Dolphins are best viewed in Kalpitiya and Mirissa and over 100 different species of migrant birds can be spotted around Mannar and Jaffna, in the north of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka in December
December marks the start of the peak season for the towns and seaside resorts on the south and west coasts, where the weather is warm and mild. Average temperatures range between 23 and 30°C. The north-east experiences heavy monsoon rains.
The pilgrimage to Sri Pada, or Adam's Peak, generally begins on the full moon in December and ends on the full moon in April. Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians climb to the sacred peak at 2243 metres.
Shops and restaurants are beautifully decorated during the month, and a major shopping festival kicks off the festivities at the end of November. Christmas in Sri Lanka is not just for Christians; many Buddhist households also take part in the celebrations. Churches hold carol services throughout December, followed by a special midnight mass on Christmas Eve to herald the dawn of the festival.
Best time to visit Sri Lanka frequently asked questions
The best time to visit the southwest of Sri Lanka is November – April. The best time to visit the northeast of Sri Lanka is February - September.
Dry season runs from December - March in the southwest and May – September in the northeast.
The southwest experiences monsoon season between May – September. The northeast experiences monsoon season between October – January.
It is quietest in Sri Lanka during the low season, from May to August.
Peak season in Sri Lanka runs from December to April.
The low season in Sri Lanka runs from May to August.
