If you are wondering when is the best time to visit Sri Lanka there is always something to experience on this magical island, rain or shine!
Sri Lanka has so much to offer, from beautiful beaches in the South to mountains and tea plantations in the middle, wildlife safaris, the capital city of Colombo, Hindu Temples in the North and a wide range of ecosystems and climates, all on one tiny island.
If you have felt bamboozled by differing information on the best time to visit Sri Lanka, I can tell you, as a resident, what exactly you can expect in this post. It includes activities, beaches, and a breakdown of each region of the country and how the weather may or may not impact your trip.
Let’s start with the best-kept secret of Sri Lanka – It’s a year-round destination! I mean, as a resident, I love it when it quietens down and I have the beach all to myself, but I don’t want to gate-keep this information.
Let’s face it, a steady stream of tourists rather than over half a year would be good for everyone. Tourists would have a better experience, and local businesses would be much more stable, protecting jobs and so on.
Having spent a year and a half on the South West Coast of Sri Lanka and experienced all of the seasons first-hand, I am on a mission to correct the narrative once and for all!
There is no ‘OFF SEASON’. It’s a misconception. Due to the changing monsoon from one side of the island to the other, you can come all year round. The seasons are locally referred to as the high and green seasons.
So, let’s dive into the best time to visit Sri Lanka based on activities, locations and interests!
The Best Time To Go To Sri Lanka
The Monsoon In Sri Lanka
The weather is always nice, even during monsoon season. Picture an epic thunderstorm followed by blue, sunny skies and slightly cooler air.
With climate change affecting the whole world, this little island’s tropical climate can be unpredictable, but there’s always something to do and see all year round.
The monsoon moves from one side of the island to the other. So it is monsoon on the southwest coast from May to October and changes direction to the east coast from November to April.
A couple of things change during monsoon season, mainly the beaches. Some become a little wilder, and if you want to go whale watching or surfing, things change slightly. More about that in a moment!
“A Monsoon is a seasonal change in the direction of prevailing winds, which causes wet and dry seasons in tropical regions.” National Geographic Society.
Monsoon season holds an air of romanticism. Forget the never-ending drizzle and ‘fine rain’ in the UK; when it rains in the tropics, the weather gods are not messing about!
Imagine sipping coffee whilst reading a book in a cosy café whilst the rain lashes down outside, accompanied by an ear-piercing thunderstorm and magical lightning show.
The pace of life slows down during monsoon season, but you will still get the warmth of the sunshine every day. You must be prepared for a storm with umbrellas and anoraks and know the best places to take cover. It is a unique time to visit Sri Lanka.
Then, when the sky has finished performing its show, head back outside to enjoy the calm after the storm.
There in an exception to the rain coming and going during the day. This usually happens during the Poya or Vesak holidays. I cover more about festivals and holidays in a moment.
It is the only place I have ever lived where all-day rain is predictable around a specific holiday. Sri Lanka is so intrinsically connected with the moon cycle, and it’s really interesting to see such predictions play out with rainfall.
The key to planning your paradise trip is knowing the monsoon seasons and which areas will likely be affected at different times of the year.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE SOUTH WEST COAST
The southwest coast of Sri Lanka is where to head if beach bum life is your jam. The busiest season on this coast kicks off around November time.
It conveniently coincides with the onslaught of winter in Europe and provides a perfect escape from the bitter cold and an adventurous twist on your Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Imagine sipping coconuts on a beach on Christmas Day rather than having to cook up a family feast! December to February are the busiest months for visitors.
Lounge on one of the numerous beaches from Bentota to Tangalle, each with its personality and activities.
Around April/May, these beaches will transition into the Green Season, however there are still a few which can be enjoyed year round, even on the south west coast.
If you still want to beach and surf, you can enjoy some beaches on a nice day. However, many hop over to the East Coast which has the opposite monsoon season.
Rain and storms have been seen throughout this busy period in the southwest in recent years. Still, Sri Lankans are very adaptable and unfazed by such things, so marquees are erected to accommodate outdoor events, and the festivities continue.
The hot topic of conversation in the South is whether businesses should stay open in Green Season, and many have committed to it! A change is coming to keep tourism moving throughout the year.
Beaches In The South West of Sri Lanka
If you’re a surfer, you’ll find your tribe in Ahangama, a typical Sri Lankan beach town that becomes a hub for surfers and yogis with many surf camps and yoga retreats.
Unawatuna
There are many trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants on the shore to keep crowds entertained. Unawatuna, in contrast, has more of a village vibe.
The only beach along the South Coast with its own thoroughfare, veering off the main road that links all the other beaches.
There are many activities on this beach, from diving to jet skiing. You can also take a boat trip to the nearby jungle beach, which has chilled vibes and still waters just around the headland.
Swim out far enough to see the Japanese Peace Pagoda poking out its spire, nestled high in the jungle above the beach.
Stop by this temple on your way back to your digs for an epic sunset. The whole beach road of Una on either side is lined with shops, bars and restaurants, so there’s plenty to keep you entertained, whatever the weather.
Turtle Beach
Turtle Beach near Unawatuna is aptly named as you can step into the crystal clear, shallow waters and come face to belly with the huge sea turtles that hang out there!
This beach can get crowded during peak season from December to February, so try either side of these months or go early in the morning to avoid crowds. Please don’t touch these incredible ancient, serene creatures, let them be, in their natural habitat.
In the Green Season, this beach completely disappears, but you can still sit in Wijaya Beach, a trendy restaurant serving pizzas and cocktails.
Watch the waves crash on the shore and of course, there’s always a stunning sunset, which you can breathe in from their gorgeous terrace and look out to Frog Rock.
You’ll feel ahead of the game if you know the spots to shelter from the rain. At Wild and Sage, a charming bookshop.
You can sit the children on a rug in the garden of this gorgeous, cosy space whilst they’re entertained with a fun book reading along with some activities.
You can sip on a latte, munch on some delicious carrot cake, and browse the shelves lined with books, safe in knowing that your little ones are happy.
Not only can you pick up western classics, the food also has a Sri Lankan touch, whether it be a sprinkle of coconut sambol on avo toast or a twist on a wrap sandwich.
There are also many artistic workshops and a monthly book club in this quaint cottage-style bookshop and café. It is perfect for a spot of monsoon reading!
Hiriketiya Beach
Hiriketiya beach, at the bottom of Sri Lanka, is a beautiful palm-fringed bay with a much more laid-back attitude than other beaches.
Relax on bean bags, Ibiza style, and take a dip in a pool facing the ocean while listening to Balearic beats. It’s also a popular surf spot and can be visited all year round. This is one of my favourite beaches in Sri Lanka to visit with kids.
Weligama
At Weligama Beach, you can surf all year round. With its huge bay, it’s a very popular hub to ride more waves. As you enter the beach, you’re greeted with colourful surfboards lined up along the road facing the sea, enticing you into the water.
Tangalle Beach
Tangalle Beach, as you head east along the beach road that brushes the shore, has more of a dusty village vibe. However, be wary of swimming in the ocean all year round.
Note that in the months from May to October, many establishments will close along the South West Coast, giving the beaches a much quieter feel, but there’s still enough open to keep you entertained.
If you want a quiet holiday, visiting these beaches is a lovely time. There are fewer people, some restaurants are open, and some events still occur. You can always dip in your hotel pool to cool off if the sea is rough.
If you’re a surfer, the South West Coast is the place to be from November to April. Then everyone floats to the east coast fishing village of Arugam Bay, where the swell is good from May/June to October. So, you can surf to your heart’s content all year round!
Another plus of the Green Season is that accommodation prices are generally lower, so you can snag a fantastic deal during this relaxing period.
The Best Time To Visit Sri Lanka’s East Coast
Arugam Bay is a small fishing village on the east coast that transforms into a surfer’s paradise between May and October. This is the opposite season for surfing in the south.
Enjoy the cafes, restaurants, live music, yoga, ice baths, and vegan smoothie bowls. On your drive to Arugam Bay, you’re almost guaranteed to see wild elephants but don’t feed them as it can disrupt their diet and behaviour.
If you fancy a dip, head to the far-right corner of the beach, facing the sea, where the waters are shallow and calm, and you can float in tranquillity. Avoid Poya days when many locals head to the beach in swarms.
Another beach area you must visit in the east is Trincomalee, with its whale-watching and pristine beaches. With a predominantly Tamil population, expect colourful Hindu temples, too.
Also, Pasikuda Beach is worth mentioning to the east. It is a stunning, wide, golden sandy beach with shallow water.
The best time to visit Sri Lanka’s east coast is in Europe’s summer months when the sea is calm, and the weather is nice and dry.
However, just like the southwest coast, it is still perfectly lovely to head to the east coast on the other months as well.
The Best Time To Visit Sri Lanka Ella
Escape the heat and humidity of the south and head to the hill country and the famous, vast tea plantations surrounding Ella.
This popular spot with tourists is a good place for a hike and a chill, and the weather is considerably cooler because of the elevation.
Visit a tea factory and see how tea is made. Head up the famous Lipton Seat in nearby Haputale, where your favourite tea comes from.
Stay at one of the many old tea planter bungalows beautifully restored and renovated into exclusive boutique hotels, which feel like heaven on earth.
Nuwara Eliyia is another hill country destination with British vibes.
Kandy
The best time to visit Kandy in central Sri Lanka is from January to March, the driest months, but it’s a year-round destination. Expect some rain, especially in April and between September and December.
If you’d like to see a cultural festival, August is the best time to visit Sri Lanka when The Kandy Esala Perahera takes place.
It’s a spectacular parade of traditional dancers and fire-eaters all taking to the streets in a huge parade.
This parade also includes elephants. We understand this entertainment is not for everyone’s taste but has cultural significance in Sri Lanka.
Kandy is Sri Lanka’s last royal city and has a very different feel from the rest of the country. The central lake is surrounded by a bustling town, and the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth stands gleaming white on the lake’s shores.
Take in a traditional Kandyan dance show, then walk over to the temple, where you can see Buddha’s tooth. Be prepared to queue on a staircase to take a five-second look at the relic before you’re ushered along.
Sigiriya
Sigiriya has a climate similar to Kandy; the best time to visit is from January to April. Climb the Lion Rock, as it’s also known, with the remains of an old royal palace at the top.
For another viewpoint and a cheaper option, climb Pidurangala Rock. As you get to the top, a bird’s-eye panorama of Sigiriya unfolds, with a 360-degree view of the jungle; it’s quite a spectacle.
Keep any belongings and food tucked away, as you will surely have some cheeky monkeys for company.
Northern Sri Lanka
In the north of the island, Jaffna has pleasant temperatures year round. Bring your brolly and expect some rain in April, October and November.
This ancient city is steeped in history and has a completely different feel from the rest of Sri Lanka. It has a Tamil population who speak their language and Hindu temples. You’d be forgiven if you thought you were in South India.
Hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day who’ll guide you around the numerous brightly coloured Hindu temples. Enjoy a free lunch served on a banana leaf, eat it, and sit on the floor of one of the temples. See the most northerly point of Sri Lanka, Point Pedro.
Colombo
Visit Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, at any time. It is a small city compared to other capitals worldwide and is easily navigated by tuk-tuk.
Fancy 5-star hotels line the coast, like the iconic Galle Face Hotel, the oldest colonial hotel in Sri Lanka.
Shop in the sparkly, new, and shiny One Galle Face Mall, and stark contrast to the high-end glamour, grab some ‘short eats’ like veggie roti and vadai on the seafront.
Head to Park Street for a pedestrianised mews, lined with bars and restaurants, where live events occur.
Visit the famous Gangaramaya Temple, which has beautiful multi-coloured Buddhist baroque scenes. Visit the many parks and museums.
Safari
Safaris are a year-round activity in Sri Lanka; you just have to know when and where to go and seek out the lesser-known hidden gems.
If you’re a wildlife lover, Sri Lanka is heaven. There are many safaris to enjoy, the most popular being Yala and Udawalawe.
Yala is on the border of the Uva and Southern Provinces in the Southeastern Region. Udawalawe is close by, so expect a climate similar to that of the Southern beaches.
Hop into a jeep to see hordes of elephants, just hanging out in their natural habitat, crocodiles and abundant birdlife. If you’re lucky, you can even spot a leopard. Word of note, safari in Yala can be quite busy in high season and can feel intrusive on the animals.
Therefore, it’s good to look at alternatives. Head to Gal Oya National Park, where you’ll find a boat safari experience.
Floating on the lake is a much more tranquil alternative to riding in a jeep. It feels less intrusive to the animals, and you’re sure to spot mighty elephants and beautiful birds, along with a whole host of other unique wildlife, including, of course, the lesser-spotted leopards.
Animals tend to hide during the monsoon months, so be sure to check your calendar to decide on the location of your safari. Depending on the time of year, there’s always beautiful wildlife to see.
There are also several parks close to Sigiriya!
Whale Watching
There is no best time to visit Sri Lanka for whale watching. Again you need to choose your spot according to your timings.
These magnificent creatures are in Mirissa on the South Coast from November to April and Trincomalee on the East Coast from March to September. Which makes whale watching another year-round activity in Sri Lanka.
Things You Don’t Need Weather For!
Galle Fort, on the South West Coast. This charming UNESCO World Heritage Site is a year-round destination and a must-see. Walk the cobbled streets and feel like you’ve returned to a world long lost.
Breathe in the history of a Fort dating back to 1588. Built by the Portuguese, then taken over by the Dutch in the 17th century and latterly the British.
You can soak up the atmosphere and drink in the many architectural delights, a mishmash of all those nationalities that made their mark on this gem of a Fort.
If you’re after jewellery, there are many gem shops in which Sri Lanka is famous. Everyone will try to sell their famous wares for a “very good price, Madam.”
You can rest your feet and relax with a drink in the many award-winning cocktail bars.
Walk The Ramparts at sunset, and you’ll see the most spectacular sky, whatever the weather. With a 180-degree view of the ocean, it is a special spot.
A bonus is the many kites adorning the ever-changing sky at this time. Treat yourself to a stay in one of the fort’s many boutique hotels, from 1930s art décor buildings to old gem merchant’s mansions.
The Galle Literary Festival occurs between January and February, where celebrated international authors descend on the Fort.
There are many talks by authors and a whole host of activities. Pop-up art galleries, markets and food trucks adorn the bustling streets.
It is the best time to visit Sri Lanka for creative folk. Voted the No.1 Literary Festival in the world by Harper’s Bazaar UK!
Festivals and holidays
If you want to learn about some culture, there are more festivals where you can shake a stick in Sri Lanka!
There are many public holidays in the Sri Lankan Calendar. If you’re partial to an alcoholic tipple, be sure to keep an eye on the moon cycle, as every full moon is a holiday called Poya. No alcohol is served in bars and restaurants.
The Tamil and Sinhala New Year falls on the 13th & 14th of April, and the whole county goes into party mode.
Be sure to have your travel plans in place or avoid travelling altogether during this holiday, as the whole country hops on buses and trains and into their cars to journey home to spend time with loved ones.
Expect lots of sweet treats to be offered and everyone playing parlour games.
Vesak, celebrated at the end of May, is the celebration of Buddha’s birthday. Large lanterns, coloured lights, and Buddhist flags decorate the cities.
Things to Bare in Mind
So, you can see, there’s so much to cram into your holiday on this beautiful island. With climate change, things are changing all the time, and every year, you hear locals say, “It’s not usually like this”.
Although this will give you an idea of how to plan your holiday, pack an umbrella and be prepared for a magical downpour or thunderstorm.
Even during the monsoon period, there are pockets of sunshine throughout the day, and it’s always warm. The rain subdues the heat a little, a welcome refreshment in the humidity of the Tropics.
So, what are you waiting for? Get planning your trip to Paradise Island!
Wondering what to pack? Check out our Sri Lanka packing list.
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