Best time to Visit Sri Lanka
It’s a fantastic time to travel to Sri Lanka, any time of the year. Sri Lanka unlike other countries can truly boast about being a year-round destination. You need to know which city to go to depending on your month of travel and you are all set to explore this beautiful island. Sri Lanka experiences two monsoons every year, each affecting different parts of the island. The south west monsoon is between May to August. During this period, it rains in the south, west and central hull country of Sri lanka. The Maha Monsoon which is the weaker one hits the North, East and the central cultural triangle of the country during October and November. Ichiqoo Blog
TEMPERATURE
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
TEMP MIN °C
22
22
23
24
26
25
25
25
25
24
23
22
TEMP MAX °C
30
31
31
31
31
29
29
29
29
29
29
29
RAINFALL (MM)
89
69
147
231
371
224
135
109
160
348
315
147
Best time to Visit Sri Lanka January – April
Entire Country
Mid July - September
Entire Country
February - September
North & East
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January – April
This is the perfect time to travel across the whole country. Being a tropical country, Sri Lanka boasts sunshine and therefore the weather would be relatively dry making it ideal to explore this beautiful island. Most cities enjoy warm sunshine while the hill countries are relatively cooler. If you choose a beach destination in the south or the west coast, be rest assured of clear skies and welcoming waters while you get sun-kissed lazing at the beach. Carry sunscreen to avoid getting burnt.
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Mid July – September Sri Lanka experiences two monsoons every year with an "inter-monsoon" season. During intermonsoon season, the weather is generally great throughout this season with intermitted spare showers. Despite these occasional shows, it will be warm across the country, beaches, a bit hot with an average temperature of 29°C. Ideal time to visit any part of Sri Lanka!
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February – September This is the best time to explore the North and the East Coast of Sri Lanka. Ideal for spotting whales, dolphins, kitesurfing, snorkelling, diving and other water sports.
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Places to Visit
Best Time
Monsoon time
West Coast - Colombo, Negombo, Galle, Bentota
December-March
May-August
South Coast - Hikkaduwa, Weligama, Matara, Tangalle
December-March
May-August
The Cultural Triangle - Dambulla, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa
May-September
October-January
North & East Coast - Passikudah, Trincomalee, Arugam Bay, Batticaloa
May-September
October-January
December-March
May-August
Central Sri Lanka - Kandy, Nuware Eliya
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Beach Season - November – April – South Coast | May – September – North & East Coast
Wildlife Season The Yala National Park closes for one month around September. During this one month, the park creates ponds and small lakes to supply water to the animals after the dry season. November - April – Bundala National park for birds June - September – The Cultural Triangle to witness the gathering of Elephants - Yala for Leopards - Wilapattu for Leopards Ichiqoo Blog
Whales & Dolphin Season
November - April – Mirissa June - October – Trincomalee
Festival Season July/August is the time for Sri Lanka’s most popular festival, the Kandy Esala Perahera. This is a 10 day festival honouring the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Hotel prices go up drastically during these times. If you are on a budget, avoid booking your trip during this period or book well in advance.
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Surfing Season April – October – Arugam Bay Oct – March - Weligamas Diving season October – May – West & South West coast May – October – North East Coast
If you are looking forward to visiting this beautiful island of Sri Lanka, get in touch with Ichiqoo and our local experts would be happy to customize your trip based on the best season and time. Come, see Asia differently.
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Thank you. END