gowhereandwhen.comGo 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 booking links earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Jan.
Other months to compare; prices and crowds depend on your destination and dates.
Rainy season.
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.
Sri Lanka month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Colombo.
JanuaryHot with a little rainIdeal 89
- Daytime high
- 31°C / 88°F
- Overnight low
- 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall
- 60 mm
Hot with a little rain.
FebruaryHot with a little rainIdeal 88
- Daytime high
- 31°C / 88°F
- Overnight low
- 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall
- 70 mm
Hot with a little rain.
MarchHot and wet.Great 63
- Daytime high
- 32°C / 90°F
- Overnight low
- 24°C / 75°F
- Rainfall
- 130 mm
Hot and wet.
AprilHot and very wet, monsoon rains.Fair 41
- Daytime high
- 32°C / 90°F
- Overnight low
- 25°C / 77°F
- Rainfall
- 250 mm
Hot and very wet, monsoon rains.
MayHot and very wet, monsoon rains.Fair 29
- Daytime high
- 31°C / 88°F
- Overnight low
- 26°C / 79°F
- Rainfall
- 340 mm
Hot and very wet, monsoon rains.
JuneHot and wet.Good 50
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 26°C / 79°F
- Rainfall
- 200 mm
Hot and wet.
JulyHot and wet.Great 63
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 25°C / 77°F
- Rainfall
- 135 mm
Hot and wet.
AugustHot with a little rainGreat 73
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 25°C / 77°F
- Rainfall
- 110 mm
Hot with a little rain.
SeptemberHot and wet.Good 55
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 25°C / 77°F
- Rainfall
- 160 mm
Hot and wet.
OctoberHot and very wet, monsoon rains.Avoid 28
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 24°C / 75°F
- Rainfall
- 350 mm
Hot and very wet, monsoon rains.
NovemberHot and very wet, monsoon rains.Fair 33
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 24°C / 75°F
- Rainfall
- 315 mm
Hot and very wet, monsoon rains.
DecemberHot and wet.Good 54
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall
- 170 mm
Hot and wet.
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.
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.
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.
Watch out
Rainy season
Mar to Jul, Sep to Dec.
Where to stay in Sri Lanka
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Good to know
What is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
When is the best time for the south coast beaches?
When should I visit the east coast?
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