Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Seasons

To start with, it's good to know that because of Sri Lanka’s location, there are two monsoon seasons in the country: Yala and Maha. The Yala Monsoon affects the northeastern regions from May to September. While the Maha Monsoon affects the southeastern parts of Sri Lanka from December to February.

To help you further, we've divided the country into 6 regions:

1. Jaffna & The North
2. Colombo & West Coast
3. Cultural Triangle (Anuradhapurna, Sigiriya, Polonaruwa, etc)
4. The East
5. Kandy & The Hill Country
6. Galle & The South

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But in general, if you’re going to the West or South Coast, it’s best to visit between October and March. While it’s best to visit the East Coast and North from April to September.

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Weather in Sri Lanka Throughout the Year

January

January brings in the Yala monsoon winds, which affect the northeastern side of the country. This means that the weather will be wet and stormy. So if you want good beach weather, head to the southwest part of Sri Lanka, where it will be warm and dry in January. Because of the dry season, it attracts big crowds in some of the most popular tourist areas in the south.

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Because of the hot and dry weather, it is also a good month to visit national parks for wildlife sightings, particularly in Yala National Park. Aside from that, it's pilgrimage season in Adam's Peak in January. You can climb up with the pilgrims and experience a very festive atmosphere.

You can also expect less rain and cooler temperatures in Kandy and the Hill Country, as well as in the Cultural Triangle. This makes January a high season in Sri Lanka, so expect higher rates and crowded areas. You may also want to book your accommodations in advance. 

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February

February is a high season in Sri Lanka because of the calm and mild weather all over the country. The Yala monsoon season is coming to an end, so you can expect less intense rainfall on the northeast coast. While the south, west, and central parts of the country continue to have high temperatures and plenty of sun.

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It is also a good month to visit the national parks for wildlife sightings, especially in Yala National Park. The pilgrimage season at Adam's Peak continues and is a good time to climb because of the nice weather and festive atmosphere. You can also expect cooler temperatures around Kandy and the Hill Country because of the higher altitude. But the weather will be predominantly dry, and it's a good time for hiking. While the cultural triangle will be warm and dry in February.

Events in February

There are two events worth noting in February. The first one is Gangaramaya Navam Perahera, which is celebrated in Colombo. This is a colorful festival where elephants parade on the street in full costume, and it attracts lots of crowds on the street. The second one is Independence Day or National Day. It is countrywide, but the main celebrations also happen in Colombo. You may wish to book in advance if you happen to visit Colombo during this time.

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March

March is the best month to visit Sri Lanka because the weather is mostly dry across the country. The Yala monsoon is coming to an end, so the northeastern part of the country is starting to warm up as rainfall decreases. At the same time, it is also the last month for excellent beach weather in the southwest of the island.

Adam's peak pilgrimage season continues, and it’s another great month to climb because of the pleasant weather and low chance of rain. You can also experience cooler weather in the Highlands because of the elevation, but it gets warmer in March. It will be mainly dry with some rain, so bring warmer clothes and a waterproof jacket. March is still a great time to visit the cultural triangle with minimal rainfall.

April

April is shoulder season in Sri Lanka and is another good month to visit the country. The weather's generally good, especially at the beginning of the month. During this time, you'll more likely get better deals and avoid crowds. There's also a decline in rainfall on the East Coast, and you can expect plenty of sunshine and blue skies. As well as on the south and west beach areas.

If you wish to hike Adam’s Peak, it is the last month of the pilgrimage season. It is also one of the best times to visit Kandy and the Highlands. Because the mornings and evenings are not too cold and the temperatures rise during the day. Also, the rainfall is below average during this month. You can also visit the Cultural Triangle at this time, as the weather is not too humid and there is little rain. Overall, expect evening thunderstorms in the hill country and southwest part of the country in April. 

May

May is a shoulder season because of rain in the most popular tourist areas of Sri Lanka. The Maha Monsoon has begun to affect the southwestern regions. You can expect several hours of rain per day in Colombo and the popular beaches in the south. During this month, it is not advisable to swim on the south and west coasts as winds create large waves. Head to the North and East coasts for great weather. 

In May, the high season for visiting Yala National Park is just beginning. It is also a great month to visit the cultural triangle, where the weather is dry and the temperatures are high. As well as Kandy and the Highlands, as it is significantly cooler, but expect sudden rains. 

Events in May

Sri Lankans celebrate Vesak Poya in May, as it commemorates the Buddha’s birthday. It is celebrated throughout the country, but Colombo tends to get very crowded. During this time, you can witness ceremonies and vendors distributing free food on the streets. You may want to book your accommodation in advance if you're visiting Colombo.

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June

The Maha Monsoon is still affecting the southwestern regions. So the southern beaches and the Highlands get rainfall in June. While the northeastern half of the country still enjoys sunny and warm days.

The cultural triangle doesn't get much rain in June, but you can expect some days to be windy. Visit Trincomalee in June, as it is the beginning of the whale watching season on the east coast. If you wish to see leopards, head to Yala National Park in June as the dry weather gives you a higher chance of seeing them.

Events in June

The cultural triangle celebrates Poson Paya in June, which commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. So you may witness some Buddhist pilgrims dressed in white and buildings decorated with paper lanterns.

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July

The weather is like June, with the country's southwestern part wet while the northeastern part is still hot and dry. The Yala monsoon runs from May to September, but the rains rarely last all day in July. You can expect less rainfall and clear skies in the southwestern regions.

Due to the Yala monsoon, there aren't that many crowds in Sri Lanka. It's another great month to explore the national parks. While the Cultural Triangle will be warmer this month and the Hill Country will be a little cooler.

Events in July

There are also lots of religious festivals in July that you should be aware of. The first one is the Kataragama Festival. This festival takes place over several days in late July or early August, and you can witness traditional processions during this time.

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Another one is the Aadi Vel that is celebrated in Colombo, which happens at the same time as the Kataragama festival. 

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The third and biggest festival is the Kandy Perahara, which is also held either in July or August. This festival is celebrated in Kandy, where you can witness the sacred tooth relic being paraded around the city with elephants and fire dancers on the street. 

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So if you are in Kandy or Colombo during these events, you may want to book your accommodation in advance.

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August

The Yala monsoon is nearing its end, so you can expect fewer days of rain in the southwestern regions. While the north and east coasts' climates remain very pleasant with high temperatures and dry weather. August can also be a popular month for travelers going on summer vacation. 

It is also great to visit the Cultural Triangle during August, as the temperatures are hot and the rainfall is at a minimum. If you visit Sri Lanka during this month, you may want to head to the east coast as whale watching is in full swing. It is also a good month to spot some wildlife in Trincomalee or Yala National Park.

Events in August

There are also a few festivals in August to be aware of, including the Kataragama Festival, which can also fall this month. In addition, Kandy Perahara is celebrated with parades and fire-lit dances. Another festival happening in Jaffna is the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil Festival. This 25-day-long festival takes place at the temple, and you can also witness parades and dances around the city.

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September

September is shoulder season in Sri Lanka. It is the last month of the Yala monsoon, which affects the southeast part of the country. Because of this, it is a great month to take advantage of less crowd and good deals. Head to the northeast or east coast for warmer weather and less rain.

Take note that Yala National Park is often closed in September. However, it is a great time to visit the Cultural Triangle because of its pleasant weather conditions and because it’s quieter than usual. It's also an excellent time to go whale watching in Trincomalee, as blue whales pass through on their way to the East Coast. You can also expect rainfall in Kandy and the Hill Country towards the end of September. Although downpours are typically short and intense. 

October

October is a quiet month in Sri Lanka because of the weather. During this month, rain is more widespread and occurs evenly across the country. You can also expect thunderstorms, strong winds, and flooding. 

If you decide to visit in October, try to go at the beginning of the month and head to the northern and eastern parts of the country. At this time, the dry season will just be coming to an end. You can also head to the Cultural Triangle, where the weather will be pleasant but there will be some rain.

Events in October

Deepavali, also known as the celebration of light, usually falls around the end of October or the beginning of November. If you happen to visit during this festival, head to the northern or eastern parts of the country where it's mainly celebrated. You can expect to see houses and temples decorated with oil lamps and some fireworks displays.

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November

November is another quiet month in Sri Lanka, as it also falls between the Yala and Maha monsoons. The weather is similar to that of October, with heavy rains and thunderstorms. It is considered off-season, so you can enjoy lower prices and a smaller crowd if you happen to visit during this time.

Try to visit at the end of the month when the weather clears up in the south-western part of the country and before the crowds arrive in December. You can visit the cultural triangle and the hill country, but the temperature drops slightly and the rainfall is high.

Events in November

Deepavali, also known as the celebration of light, might also fall at the beginning of November. So it’s best to celebrate in the northern or eastern parts of Sri Lanka. 

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December

December is one of the best times to visit Sri Lanka. It is also the beginning of the high season, as the south-west regions experience high temperatures and plenty of sunshine. December is the beginning of the Maha monsoon in the northeastern regions. So expect wet and stormy weather in those areas.

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December is the beginning of the pilgrimage season at Adam's Peak. You can climb up with the pilgrims and experience a very festive atmosphere. It is also the beginning of the whale watching season off the south coast. If you wish to visit the Cultural Triangle, expect some rainfall. While it is a great time to visit Ella and the Hill Country, the weather will mostly be blue skies and lots of sunshine. The rainfall also drops, but it can still be wet and chilly in the evenings, so bring some warm clothing.