The weather in Sri Lanka is rather complicated for such a small country, due to the fact that the island is affected by two separate monsoons. On the bright side, this means that there is usually good weather somewhere on the island at most times of the year.
When are the monsoons in Sri Lanka?
Unsurprisingly, the rainfall pattern will probably be one of the most important factors in your decision of when to go to Sri Lanka.
The main southwest (“Yala”) monsoon brings rain to the west and southwest coasts and the hill country from April or May to September and is wettest from April to June.
The less severe northeast (“Maha”) monsoon hits the east coast from November to March and is wettest from November to December.
There’s also a inter-monsoonal period of unsettled weather preceding the Maha monsoon in October and November. During this time heavy rainfall and thunderstorms can occur anywhere across the island.
Average temperatures in Sri Lanka
The country’s position close to the Equator means that at least the temperature in Sri Lanka remains fairly constant year-round. Coastal and lowland areas enjoy average daytime temperatures of around 26–30°C. During the hottest part of the day, they can often climb up well into the 30°Cs. Temperatures decrease with altitude, reducing to a temperate 18–22°C in Kandy. In Nuwara Eliya and the highest parts of the island, on average it’s a pleasantly mild 14–17°C. Nights in the hills can be quite chilly, with temperatures sometimes falling close to freezing. Humidity is often another high everywhere. It can rise to a sweltering 90% at times in the southwest, and averages 60 to 80% across the rest of the island.
When is the best month to visit Sri Lanka?
In a nutshell, the variations in the weather patterns mean that the best time to visit Sri Lanka is intertwined with where on the island you want to go:
If you’re heading to the west, or south coasts and the hill country, then you’re best off going between December and March.
If you’re intending to make your way to the east coast and the north you’ll find the best time of year to visit Sri Lankais from April or May to September.
Visiting Sri Lanka in Winter
Visiting Sri Lanka in December – February
The north of the island and the eastern coast are pretty wet at this time of year. So it’s not the best time to visit Jaffna, coastal Trincomalee or historic Batticaloa, or go surfing at Arugam Bay. Catch some waves instead at Weligama on the south coast, or chill out on splendid beaches at Unawatuna Bay and Mirissa. It’s also a good time for whale watching off the southern coast. Visit the atmospheric colonial fort town of Galle, particularly lively during the Galle Literary Festival in late January or early February. It’s also a good time to visit Kandy and the hill country, such as Horton Plains National Park, and climb Adam’s Peak. Christmas is a busy time so be sure to book ahead.
When to visit Sri Lanka in spring
Visiting Sri Lanka in March – May
March is still lovely weather in the south and southwest but by April there are signs of the monsoon. It’s still a good time for whale watching though off the south coast. Head to the lesser visited north Sri Lanka, such as the vibrant city of Jaffna, the eastern coast and the Cultural Triangle.
The south gets very humid in May, so for cooler temperatures head for the hill country. The most important Buddhist festival in May is
Vesak Poya – celebrating the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.
When to visit Sri Lanka in summer
Visiting Sri Lanka in June – August
The hill country is pleasant, with cooler temperatures, although you can’t rule out the odd rain shower. It’s the ideal time to get outdoors in the north – on the Jaffna Peninsula and nearby smattering of islands, and discover Tamil culture in Jaffna. The lovely beaches on the east coast also beckon. Don’t miss the Kandy’s Esala Poya Perahera – Sri Lanka’s most extravagant festival, in July or August.
When to visit Sri Lanka in the fall
Visiting Sri Lanka in September – November
The northern and eastern sides of the island still experience favourable weather conditions in September. October to November falls between the main monsoons and the weather becomes a little unpredictable across the island – wherever you are, there’s a chance of showers.
Average temperature and rainfall
We’ve put together an average temperature and rainfall chart. This should give you a rough idea of what to expect of the weather in Sri Lanka in any given month. We’ve looked at three different areas across the country to give an overall picture and help you to decide when is the best time to visit Sri Lanka. We’ve focused on Colombo, the capital, on the west coast of the island; Nuwara Eliya in the tea country hills of central Sri Lanka; and Trincomalee on the northeast coast.
