Best time to visit Sri Lanka
Best time to
visit
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, is an island located south-east of India, just north of the Equator. The beautiful isle of Sri Lanka is blessed with a tropical climate. Unlike many other Asian destinations, Sri Lanka boasts the ability of being a year-round holiday destination.
Thanks to the dual monsoon system, there’s always a sunny coast to enjoy — you just need to know where to go.
Weather Overview
January:
- Best regions: South & West Coasts (Galle, Mirissa, Bentota), Hill Country.
- Weather: Dry, sunny, calm seas.
- Highlights: Whale watching from Mirissa, tea country hikes, cultural triangle exploration.
February :
- Best regions: South & West Coasts, Hill Country.
- Weather: Peak dry season, warm and stable.
- Highlights: Beach relaxation, diving/snorkeling, Kandy Perahera (if dates align).
March :
- Best regions: South & West Coasts, Hill Country.
- Weather: Still excellent, slightly hotter.
- Highlights: Wildlife safaris in Yala, cultural sites in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.
April :
- Best regions: Transition month — South/West still good early, East Coast (Trincomalee, Passekudah) begins to shine.
- Weather: Mixed, but plenty of sunshine.
- Highlights: Sinhala & Tamil New Year celebrations, diving season starts on the east coast.
May :
- Best regions: East Coast (Trincomalee, Nilaveli, Arugam Bay).
- Weather: Dry and sunny in the east; southwest monsoon begins.
- Highlights: Surf season kicks off at Arugam Bay.
June:
- Best regions: East Coast.
- Weather: Hot, dry, perfect beach weather in the east.
- Highlights: Surfing at Arugam Bay, whale watching in Trincomalee.
July :
- Best regions: East Coast.
- Weather: Peak dry season in the east.
- Highlights: Arugam Bay surf festivals, diving and snorkeling in Passekudah.
August:
- Best regions: East Coast.
- Weather: Still dry and sunny.
- Highlights: Cultural festivals, wildlife spotting in Gal Oya and Kumana National Parks.
September :
- Best regions: East Coast early in the month; transition begins.
- Weather: Inter-monsoon showers possible, but still good spells of sun.
- Highlights: Quieter beaches, good value travel.
October :
- Best regions: Mixed across the island.
- Weather: Inter-monsoon — expect thunderstorms and rain bursts.
- Highlights: Cultural exploration inland; fewer tourists.
November :
- Best regions: South & West Coasts improve by late month.
- Weather: Early November still wet; late November sees blue skies returning.
- Highlights: Start of the new beach season in the south.
December:
- Best regions: South & West Coasts, Hill Country.
- Weather: Dry, sunny, festive atmosphere.
- Highlights: Whale watching in Mirissa, Christmas/New Year celebrations, peak tourist season.
In summary:
- Dec–Apr → South & West Coasts + Hill Country.
- May–Sep → East Coast.
- Oct–Nov → Shoulder season; mixed weather but fewer crowds.
| Table Header | Festivals & Events | Wildlife Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
January |
Thai Pongal, Hindu Harvest Festival |
Whale watching in Mirissa |
|
February |
Nallur Festival (Jaffna) |
Birdwatching in Bundala National Park |
|
March |
March Maha Shivaratri (varies) Leopard spotting in Yala National Park |
Leopard spotting in Yala National Park |
|
April |
Sinhala & Tamil New Year |
April Sinhala & Tamil New Year Turtle nesting season on the south coast |
|
May |
May Vesak Festival (May) Surfing season begins at Arugam Bay |
Surfing season begins at Arugam Bay |
|
June |
Poson Festival (June) |
Whale watching in Trincomalee |
|
July |
Kandy Esala Perahera (July/August) |
Surf festivals at Arugam Bay |
|
August |
Kataragama Festival |
Wildlife spotting in Gal Oya National Park |
|
September |
Navam Perahera (Kandy) |
Birdwatching in Bundala National Park |
|
October |
Diwali Festival |
Cultural exploration and fewer tourists |
|
November |
Deepavali Festival |
Start of the new beach season |
|
December |
Christmas & New Year celebrations |
Peak whale watching season in Mirissa |
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