Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka - Complete Overview
Planning the best time to visit Sri Lanka requires understanding the island's unique climate patterns. On any given day in Sri Lanka, from the north to the south and the east to the west, you'll encounter biblical rains, idyllic sunshine and everything in between. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority recommends considering both monsoon seasons when planning your trip.
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka by Region
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka's Western and Southern Coasts
The best time to visit Sri Lanka's south and west regions, including popular destinations like Kandy, Colombo, and Galle, is from December to March. This period experiences the lowest rainfall and most sunshine of the year, making it the optimal time for beach activities and cultural exploration. However, this is also the country's high season, so accommodation will be more expensive. For detailed weather information, check the AccuWeather Sri Lanka forecast. Sri Lanka's east and north experience the full force of the Maha monsoon during this period, which hits hardest over November and December.
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka's East Coast
Determining the best time to visit Sri Lanka's eastern coastline follows a different pattern. From May to August the Yala monsoon brings heavy rain to Sri Lanka's classic tourist trail in the south and west of the country. On the other side of the country, however, the sun is shining and the surf's up at beautiful beaches like Arugam Bay. This makes the east coast the best time to visit Sri Lanka for surfers and beach lovers during these months.
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka - Monthly Weather Guide
January - Peak Season for the Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
Best for: lounging on the beach along the country's coastlines and spotting wildlife in national parks.
January represents the best time to visit Sri Lanka as the weather is pretty much perfect everywhere you go – think sunny days and warm temperatures. While there are fluctuations in temperature (the central regions of Kandy and other tea-producing areas are going to be cooler than the coast), you can expect average temperatures of around 30°C. Visit Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society for national park information. For accommodation booking, consider checking our hotel recommendations.
February - Excellent Weather Continues
Best for: trekking mountain ranges and visiting lesser-known temples.
The weather in Sri Lanka in February continues the best time to visit Sri Lanka period with relatively dry conditions expected country-wide. Average temperatures of 30°C+ are experienced in Colombo, while mountainous areas can dip to as low as 21°C. February in Sri Lanka is among one of the busiest times to visit so you can expect large crowds at popular sites. For trekking guides, visit Trekking Ceylon.
March - Still Prime Season
Best for: relaxing on the beaches of Negombo and history exploration through Polonnaruwa.
While the weather in Sri Lanka in March maintains the best time to visit Sri Lanka status, there aren't as many families around as school is back in term in both the UK and Australia, making it a great time to explore the island's beauty in relative peace. The UNESCO World Heritage sites are less crowded during this period.
April - Shoulder Season Begins
Best for: pilgrimaging to Adam's Peak or trekking through Horton Plains National Park.
The weather in April in Sri Lanka transitions from the best time to visit Sri Lanka peak season – think comfortable temperatures and the chance of rainfall if you're heading to the western and southern coasts or to the more central Tea Country. Bigger cities such as Colombo and Kandy are starting to get humid and muggy. For trekking information, consult the Sri Lanka Forest Department.
May - Monsoon Season Begins
Best for: exploring World Heritage-listed sites and Cultural Triangle attractions.
May marks the shoulder season, transitioning away from the best time to visit Sri Lanka's western regions. Temperatures are mild and pretty consistent in northern and eastern Sri Lanka. The same can't be said for Colombo and other southern parts of the country with the arrival of the southwest monsoon season.
June - East Coast Prime Time
Best for: whale watching in Trincomalee and national park visits.
While not the traditional best time to visit Sri Lanka's west coast, June becomes the best time to visit Sri Lanka's eastern regions. The southwest monsoon is in full swing, so avoid Colombo unless you want humidity. June is perfect for exploring northern and eastern coastal areas such as Trincomalee and Passekudah. Check Whale Watch Lanka for whale watching tours.
July - East Coast Continues to Shine
Best for: cultural attractions, swimming and other water-based activities.
Similar to June weather conditions, July maintains the best time to visit Sri Lanka's eastern regions. The northern and eastern areas experience warm and comfortable weather with average temperatures of 32°C, while the southwestern parts are in their monsoon season. For cultural site information, visit our cultural attractions guide.
August - Festival Season
Best for: temple festivals in both Kandy and Jaffna.
The southwest monsoon season nears its end in August, making this transitional period still favorable for the best time to visit Sri Lanka's eastern coast. Temperatures remain at a steady 30°C and rainfall decreases in western regions. Check the Sri Lanka Cultural Affairs Department for festival schedules.
September - Transitional Month
Best for: scenic train rides and local market visits.
September represents a challenging period for determining the best time to visit Sri Lanka due to increasing cyclone likelihood. While weather conditions become more moderate along southern and western coasts with the ending of the southwest monsoon season, the east coast says goodbye to its favorable weather. The famous Sri Lanka railway offers spectacular mountain views during this month.
October - Festival Season
Best for: Diwali celebrations.
October challenges the notion of best time to visit Sri Lanka as it's one of the wettest months. However, while most of the island expects heavy rainfall and thunderstorms due to inter-monsoon and northeastern monsoon, the Cultural Triangle cities still experience hot and dry weather. For festival information, consult Hindu festivals calendar.
November - Weather Improves
Best for: tea factory visits, monastery tours and pottery workshops.
November begins the transition back toward the best time to visit Sri Lanka as southwest monsoon winds decrease. However, the usually dry Cultural Triangle cities start experiencing colder temperatures and increased rainfall. Late November offers the best compromise between good weather and fewer crowds. Visit Ceylon Tea Board for tea plantation information.
December - Peak Season Returns
Best for: Christmas celebrations and pilgrimage visits to Adam's Peak.
December marks the return of the best time to visit Sri Lanka's western and southern regions. Cool and dry weather arrives in popular destinations such as Colombo and Kandy, as well as beach spots like Unawatuna Beach, Mirissa Beach and Tallala Beach. Book accommodation early as this represents the peak best time to visit Sri Lanka period. For booking assistance, check our accommodation recommendations.