Located in southeast Asia, the island of Sri Lanka offers tropical landscapes, Buddhist heritage, and incredible natural wonders. From history lovers to beachgoers, every kind of traveller has a place in Sri Lanka. Read on to learn when is the best time to visit Sri Lanka.
Best Time To Visit Sri Lanka
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is between December and April, but that depends on your destination within this country. Even though it’s a small island, Sri Lanka’s climate varies drastically between different regions.
Generally, the best time to visit the Cultural Triangle and the south and west coasts is between December and April, offering lower rainfall and pleasant temperatures. If you’re visiting the east coast, you’ll want to travel between May and October.
Sri Lanka in January
January is a fantastic time to visit Sri Lanka, especially if you plan to travel to the western, southern, or central regions. The warm and dry weather makes this a perfect time to explore the Cultural Triangle, home to some of Asia’s most impressive historical and archaeological sites.
● Average Temperature in Colombo: 26.2°C
● Average Rainfall in Colombo: 62 mm
Sri Lanka in February
The south and west coasts of Sri Lanka are particularly lovely during February. Warm temperatures, sometimes over 30 degrees, make this an excellent season for enjoying the beach! On Sri Lanka’s east coast, the rainy season is ending, with mild and less frequent storms.
On February 4th, Sri Lanka’s Independence Day, you can enjoy a vibrant country-wide celebration that usually includes parades, music, and performances.
● Average Temperature in Colombo: 26.9°C
● Average Rainfall in Colombo: 61 mm
Sri Lanka in March
With east coast temperatures rising and the rest of the country offering warmth and sunshine, March is a fantastic time to visit any region of Sri Lanka.
March is especially lovely in the Hill Country and on the western and southern beach resorts, although the end of the month may have some rain showers.
● Average Temperature in Colombo: 27.4°C
● Average Rainfall in Colombo: 88 mm
Sri Lanka in April
April is an excellent month to visit Sri Lanka’s Hill Country, where you can tour tea plantations, marvel at massive waterfalls, enjoy the lush landscapes, and explore the fascinating city of Kandy. The morning and evening temperatures are mild, the daytime temperatures are usually around 25°C, and the rainfall is lower than average.
● Average Temperature in Colombo: 27.3°C
● Average Rainfall in Colombo: 183 mm
Sri Lanka in May
As the monsoon reaches the southern and western coasts, May shifts the focus from these regions to the eastern shore. This region has fantastic beaches, excellent surfing opportunities, and incredible scuba diving.
However, if you’re visiting the southern and western coasts, you’ll want to avoid going too far into the sea – the huge waves make it too risky!
● Average Temperature in Colombo: 27°C
● Average Rainfall in Colombo: 295 mm
Sri Lanka in June
In addition to the eastern region’s incredible beach areas, June is a great time to visit the Cultural Triangle, where you can explore the Buddhist temples and historic ruins and wander around ancient towns like Polonnaruwa and Dambulla. The warm and sunny climate makes conditions perfect for outdoor sightseeing.
● Average Temperature in Colombo: 26.7°C
● Average Rainfall in Colombo: 258 mm
Sri Lanka in July
July’s weather is very similar to June’s, with lovely temperatures in the east and storms throughout the south and west. Several religious festivals are held throughout Sri Lanka in July, like the Festival of the Tooth, a Buddhist festival, and Vel, a Hindu festival.
These celebrations are a great way to experience Sri Lankan culture, learn more about different religions, and take in local music, food, and entertainment.
● Average Temperature in Colombo: 26.4°C
● Average Rainfall in Colombo: 198 mm
Sri Lanka in August
The rainfall in the west and south is mild in August, while the east coast temperatures remain very pleasant. Festival of the Tooth, also known as Esala Perahera, sometimes extends in August, so this is a great time to experience the local culture.
At this festival, you can expect to see elephants, fire dancers, and parades. August is also a great time to see some of Sri Lanka’s vibrant wildlife on the east coast, where whale watching is a popular activity.
● Average Temperature in Colombo: 26.3°C
● Average Rainfall in Colombo: 179 mm
Sri Lanka in September
September is the last month of fantastic weather on the east coast, so you’ll want to take advantage of it while it lasts! Although the average rainfall is lower in August, it picks up again in September. The good news is that storms are generally short-lived, with average temperatures remaining warm.
● Average Temperature in Colombo: 26.2°C
● Average Rainfall in Colombo: 231 mm
Sri Lanka in October
No matter where you are in Sri Lanka, October is one of the rainiest months on this island. As one monsoon ends, another monsoon begins in the north and east. Despite this, this time of the year is great for affordable deals and travellers who want to avoid the heat.
October is an excellent time to plan your journey around the Diwali holiday, also known as Deepavali in Sri Lanka. You can experience this important Hindu festival in Sri Lanka’s northern and eastern regions.
During this Festival of Lights, you’ll see spectacular light displays, vibrant garlands, and oil lamps lighting up the towns and cities throughout these regions.
● Average Temperature in Colombo: 26.1°C
● Average Rainfall in Colombo: 350 mm
Sri Lanka in November
Deepavali continues in Sri Lanka’s northern and eastern regions from October to November. In the Cultural Triangle and Hill Country, the rainfall increases in November, so pack a raincoat and prepare for lush verdant landscapes.
If you are visiting the south and west of the island, you may experience some storms, but the number of sunshine hours increases significantly. To avoid most of the rain, you’ll want to visit during the second half of the month.
● Average Temperature in Colombo: 26.1°C
● Average Rainfall in Colombo: 314 mm
Sri Lanka in December
December marks the beginning of the resort season on the south and west coasts. If you’re in the south during December, whale watching is a must-do.
The weather improves in the Hill Country and Cultural Triangle during December, but you may experience some pop-up storms.
● Average Temperature in Colombo: 25.7°C
● Average Rainfall in Colombo: 168 mm
Final Thoughts
With rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and azure beaches, Sri Lanka is our dream island destination in the Indian Ocean. The varied weather across the island makes it perfect for surfing, exploring the wilderness, and sightseeing.
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