When is the Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka?

Our Experts Say...

"Sri Lanka is definitely an all-year-round destination with each season offering its own advantages. Typically, the best months to visit to enjoy the best weather across the island are between December and April. However during the summer months, between May and September, the north, central and eastern regions enjoy plenty of good weather and only the far south and westerly regions should expect significant rainfall. The weather in October and November can be unpredictable across the island, however, the island is lush at this time of year and you get the best value for money. Always keep in mind the fact that Sri Lanka is a small tropical island and, therefore, you should expect some rain at any time of the year."

Rikki Poynton, Asia Specialist

Temperatures are warm all year throughout Sri Lanka, with coastal areas consistently averaging 30℃ and above. The central hills remain cooler, making them a great destination to visit during May, June and July when the rest of the country is at its hottest.

Thanks to its tropical climate, Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons, which bring heavy rainfall. From May to September, there is the southwest monsoon (Yala) and from October to January there is the northeast monsoon (Mala). These affect the different regions in their own way.

East Coast

Rainy season: October-December

Dry season: May-September

The east coast regions, including Passekudah and Kuchchaveli, get the full force of the north-eastern monsoon, so we don’t advise travelling there between October and December. However, while the rest of the country gets rain from the southwest monsoon between May and September, the east coast gets sunshine aplenty, temperatures around the mid-30s, and low levels of humidity, making this the best time to travel to Sri Lanka's east coast.

South Coast

Rainy season: October

Dry season: November to April

Many of Sri Lanka’s best beaches are found on the south coast, in Galle, Tangalle, and Weligama. This region can get heavy rain in October, making the best time to travel to Sri Lanka for beach weather between late November and April. You'll find temperatures around the mid to high-twenties, and rainfall at its lowest.

West Coast

Rainy season: May to September

Dry season: October to April

The weather on the west coast of Sri Lanka is influenced by the southwest monsoon, which brings rain from May to September. During this period, the region experiences hot and humid conditions with frequent rainfall, particularly afternoons and evenings. Instead, the best season to visit Sri Lanka’s west coast is the dry season, from October to April. Temperatures generally range from 27°C to 32°C during the day, providing warm and balmy weather for beach activities and exploration.

Kandy and Hill Country

Dry season: December to April

Rainy season: May to July

Sri Lanka’s Hill Country is around 2,000 metres above sea level, so naturally has much cooler temperatures than other parts of the country, which is great for those keen to hike Adam’s Peak. The hiking season begins in December and runs until May when the weather is at its driest. Kandy, which is lower down, sees hotter temperatures, which average around 30˚ C in those months.

The best time to visit Sri Lanka overall is between December and mid-April, when the climate is hot and sunny, with very little rain across most of the country.

Understanding Sri Lanka's Seasons

Sri Lanka’s weather is hot throughout the seasons, with the rain being the only difference. One thing to consider when travelling to the country is the Buddhist celebration of Poya, which occurs once a month, on the full moon. This is considered a public holiday, when most businesses are closed, plus, no meat or alcohol will be sold.

Best time to visit Sri Lanka for…

Sri Lanka has a wealth of diverse attractions ranging from pristine beaches to rich cultural heritage, offering distinct experiences depending on the time of year you visit.

Beach Lovers

For beach lovers, the best time to visit Sri Lanka is during the dry season from December to April, when the weather is sunny and the sea is calm, offering perfect conditions for beach activities both high octane and slow. Some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka include Weligama and Tangalle on the south coast, Passekudah and Trincomalee on the east coast, and Bentota and Hikkaduwa on the southwest coast.

During the dry season in Sri Lanka, you can enjoy surfing around the bays between Galle and Columbo, snorkelling in the coral reefs of Hikkaduwa, looking for whales and dolphins around Weligama, and generally enjoying leisurely beach strolls or sunbathing on the golden sands.

Exploration

The best months for visiting Sri Lanka for sightseeing and exploration, are typically during the dry season from December to April. Pleasant weather with lower chances of rainfall makes it easier to go sightseeing, climb the likes of Sigiriya Rock and go on safari.

Top attractions in Sri Lanka include:

• The ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Dambulla, and Sigiriya.
• Kandy’s market, Botanical Gardens and Temple of the Tooth.
• Galle’s colonial fort
• Yala National Park and Wilpattu National Park.
• Hills stations and tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya and Ella.

Off-Peak Travel

The most popular time to travel to Sri Lanka is between December and mid-April, with the school holidays (Christmas and Easter) particularly busy. However, travelling there in the shoulder seasons, between rainy and peak will mean you can see the top attractions and sites with fewer crowds.

Alternatively, if you decide to travel during the peak season, there are still some places, which are less trodden and will be quieter, such as Ella's lush tea plantations, Trincomalee's pristine beaches, where you can find the peaceful Uga Bay, and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.