Sri Lanka
The best time to visit
When to go to Sri Lanka
Go in December to March for the west and south coasts, including the beaches around Galle and the cultural sites. The east coast, including Trincomalee and Arugam Bay, is best from May to September. Two monsoons split the island.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Colombo. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Jan.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
Rainy season.
In short
The year at a glance
Sri Lanka is small but has two monsoons, so somewhere on the island is usually in season. These ratings follow Colombo on the west coast, where the prime, driest window runs from December to March, taking in the southern beaches and the cultural triangle.
When the southwest monsoon brings rain to the west and south from May, the east coast flips into its dry, sunny season, perfect for Trincomalee and the surf at Arugam Bay. The hill country around Kandy and Ella is cool and pleasant much of the year.
Month by month
Sri Lanka month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Colombo.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 60 mm | Ideal 89 | Hot with a little rain. Colombo hotels in January |
| February | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 70 mm | Ideal 88 | Hot with a little rain. Colombo hotels in February |
| March | 32°C / 90°F | 24°C / 75°F | 130 mm | Great 63 | Hot and wet. |
| April | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 77°F | 250 mm | Fair 41 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| May | 31°C / 88°F | 26°C / 79°F | 340 mm | Fair 29 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| June | 30°C / 86°F | 26°C / 79°F | 200 mm | Good 50 | Hot and wet. |
| July | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 135 mm | Great 63 | Hot and wet. |
| August | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 110 mm | Great 73 | Hot with a little rain. Colombo hotels in August |
| September | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 160 mm | Good 55 | Hot and wet. |
| October | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 75°F | 350 mm | Avoid 28 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| November | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 75°F | 315 mm | Fair 33 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| December | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 170 mm | Good 54 | Hot and wet. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
Colombo, Galle and the south
The main tourist coast, at its best from December to March. The southwest monsoon brings rain from May to September.
Trincomalee and the east
Runs opposite to the west, with its dry, sunny season from May to September.
Kandy and the hill country
Cool and green much of the year, with tea estates and the train to Ella loveliest in the drier months.
Go for
Best time to visit Sri Lanka for
South coast beaches
December to March for the sands around Galle, Mirissa and Unawatuna at their sunniest.
The east coast and surf
May to September for Trincomalee, Pasikuda and the famous waves at Arugam Bay.
Wildlife safaris
The drier months at each park, with Yala best from February to July and superb leopard spotting.
Whale watching
December to April off Mirissa in the south, when blue whales pass close to shore.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
Whale watching, Dec to Apr
Blue and sperm whales pass the south coast off Mirissa.
East coast season, May to Sep
Trincomalee and Arugam Bay enjoy their sunny, dry window.
Rainy season
Mar to Jul, Sep to Dec.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Sri Lanka
Compare hotels and rentals around Colombo, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
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Questions