Sri Lanka

SRI LANKA

Exotic flavors, captivating traditions & stunning vistas.

Located at the southern end of India, Sri Lanka is a tiny country with a range of experiences for everyone to enjoy including diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, beautiful beaches, lush national parks, and ancient temples, making it an ideal long-haul destination.

The cultural triangle of Kandy, Anuradhapura, and Sigiriya is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. There, visitors can explore ancient temples, monasteries, and the Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nature lovers will be delighted by the country’s lush national parks and nature reserves, including the Sinharaja Forest Reserve home to a wide variety of endemic bird and animal species, while the Yala National Park is known for its large population of leopards.

Sri Lanka’s pristine beaches are the perfect place to relax and unwind. The southern coast, including the popular tourist destinations of Unawatuna and Mirissa, offer a wide variety of water sports and activities, while the east coast beaches of Nilaveli and Trincomalee are known for their calm waters and beautiful coral reefs.

The country’s culinary scene is also a highlight, with an array of delicious local dishes to try, including traditional rice and curry and hopper pancakes. Overall, Sri Lanka offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a diverse and memorable experience.

WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE?

When to visit Sri lanka

The island’s climate is influenced by two monsoons, namely the north-east monsoon, which affects the entire island, and the south-west monsoon, which is milder and primarily impacts the south and west coasts, along with the Hill Country. In the Hill Country, where the altitude is higher, it tends to be slightly cooler. Generally, the optimal time to visit the west and south coasts, as well as the Cultural Triangle, is between December and April. On the east coast, the climate is most favorable from May to October.

View Climate Guide

City

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Colombo

Highest

31°C

32°C

31°C

30°C

31°C

Lowest

23°C

24°C

25°C

26°C

27°C

26°C

25°C

24°C

Avg Rainfall

55.5mm

42.8mm

65.2mm

136.1mm

152.9mm

102.6mm

58.1mm

60.2mm

104.6mm

206.1mm

220.2mm

117.9mm

Galle

Highest

30°C

31°C

30°C

Lowest

25°C

26°C

27°C

26°C

25°C

Avg Rainfall

61.4mm

45.2mm

62.7mm

116.8mm

134.2mm

86.1mm

58.0mm

66.9mm

101.5mm

171.2mm

201.0mm

120.0mm

Kandy

Highest

28°C

30°C

31°C

32°C

30°C

29°C

28°C

27°C

Lowest

18°C

20°C

21°C

22°C

21°C

20°C

19°C

Avg Rainfall

91.2mm

57.5mm

59.7mm

101.3mm

100.0mm

65.6mm

52.3mm

52.9mm

80.9mm

163.9mm

199.2mm

152.4mm

Nuwara Eliya

Highest

19°C

21°C

22°C

21°C

20°C

19°C

Lowest

9°C

10°C

12°C

13°C

12°C

11°C

10°C

9°C

Avg Rainfall

85.2mm

54.9mm

58.2mm

98.2mm

98.9mm

65.4mm

50.6mm

52.4mm

80.9mm

155.9mm

188.6mm

141.1mm

Sigiriya

Highest

29°C

31°C

33°C

34°C

33°C

32°C

31°C

29°C

28°C

Lowest

21°C

22°C

24°C

23°C

22°C

21°C

Avg Rainfall

93.3mm

56.4mm

53.4mm

92.2mm

77.8mm

33.1mm

30.8mm

36.7mm

63.6mm

163.2mm

211.5mm

171.5mm

Yala National Park

Highest

30°C

31°C

30°C

31°C

30°C

29°C

28°C

Lowest

23°C

24°C

25°C

24°C

25°C

24°C

23°C

22°C

21°C

Avg Rainfall

219mm

134mm

95mm

114mm

61mm

8mm

23mm

13mm

28mm

126mm

240mm

235mm

Visiting Sri Lanka in January to March

Experience the thrill of traveling throughout the beautiful country of Sri Lanka as it basks in the warm and glorious sunshine during these months! The temperatures will be delightful and comfortable, except for the Hill Country which might be a bit cooler. The south and west coasts boast of stunning beaches with hot, sunny and dry weather, perfect for soaking up the sun and having a fantastic time!

Visiting Sri Lanka in April

April in Sri Lanka is a scorching and parched experience, especially in the central and Cultural Triangle areas, where temperatures soar to at least the mid-30°Cs! It’s a fantastic time to escape to the beach, with cloudless skies and hours upon hours of sunny delight. Just be sure to steer clear of the scorching sun from 11am to 3pm if you’re planning on sightseeing.

Visiting Sri Lanka in May to June

May and June in Sri Lanka bring with them the soothing south-west monsoon, which only impacts the south-west quarter of the country such as Colombo and Galle. This monsoon is much milder compared to the other monsoons Sri Lanka experiences, bringing with it short and sudden showers that pass by quickly, leaving behind a refreshing coolness in the air.

Visiting Sri Lanka in July to September

The “inter-monsoon” season is a blissful time of year, with occasional light showers being the only thing that can ruin the fun. The temperatures stay high across the country, with an average of 29°C, making the beaches hot and dry, perfect for families seeking a tropical summer vacation. All in all, this is an excellent period to embark on a journey.

Visiting Sri Lanka in October to November

October and November in Sri Lanka bring with them the tumultuous north-east monsoon, which is the more intense of the two monsoons the country experiences. Despite its name suggesting otherwise, this monsoon affects the entire country. It can be unpredictable, sometimes stronger, lighter, or more inconsistent than previous years, and there may even be instances where it never arrives.

Visiting Sri Lanka in December

December weather in Sri Lanka is typically scorching and arid, making it an ideal destination for a cozy Christmas or winter getaway. However, recent years have seen instances of monsoon rains extending into December, but they usually subside by the end of the month. The silver lining is that these seasonal rains revitalize the lush green landscapes, making a trip soon after a breathtakingly beautiful experience, especially in the rural regions.