A teardrop-shaped island off the southern coast of India, Ski Lanka has become one of the world’s fastest growing holiday destinations.
Sri Lanka possesses a number of coastal resorts from which to enjoy the refreshing waves of the Indian Ocean lapping up against gorgeous beaches, with the opportunity to indulge in surfing at one of the island’s watersport hotspots. However, the island’s interior also possesses a wealth of charms, with the rolling hills housing the pleasant sight of tea plantations. Sri Lanka is also an important cultural centre, with no less than eight UNESCO heritage sites, including the important religious centre Kandy, the walled city of Galle and the old world charms of Sigiriya.
What you’ll love most about Sri Lanka
Visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura, the first capital of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage site
Explore the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an ancient palace and fortress complex built on top of a massive rock
Take a safari tour in Yala National Park, home to a variety of wildlife including elephants, leopards, and crocodiles
Relax on the beaches of the southern coast, such as Mirissa or Unawatuna
Take a train ride through the scenic tea plantations of the hill country, such as Ella or Nuwara Eliya
Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage site and former capital of Sri Lanka
Go on a whale watching tour in Mirissa or Trincomalee, where you can see blue whales, humpback whales, and other marine life
Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.
31℃
32℃
32℃
32℃
31℃
31℃
30℃
30℃
30℃
30℃
30℃
31℃
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11
15
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9
8
13
16
14
9
Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.
Rainfall
When to Visit
Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.
January
Avoid the East of Sri Lanka if you can as the monsoon rains are likely to affect your holiday but for the other areas of the country, you’ll experience warm weather with little rainfall so it’s a great time to visit.
Diving season on the South and West coast typically runs from November to April.
February
If you’re visiting this month, stick to the southern and western parts of the country to receive the best weather.
Diving season on the South and West coast typically runs from November to April.
Independence day is held annually on the 4th of February and is celebrated in the form of dances, parades and cultural performances.
The most colourful festival in the country, Nawam Maha Perahera, is held annually this month in Colombo. The festival takes the form of a pageant in which hundreds of elephants are adorned with beautiful materials and walked through the streets of the city along with dancers, drummers, musicians, acrobats, and flame throwers.
March
March is quite simply, one of the best times to visit Sri Lanka with almost all corners of the country experiencing little rainfall and warm sunny weather.
Diving season on the South and West coast typically runs from November to April.
April
Another great month to visit though in the Western and Southern parts of the country, the wet season is beginning so humidity will begin to climb. Why not check out the Hill Country this month as it’s one of the better times to go.
Diving season on the South and West coast typically runs from November to April.
Aluth Avurudda (Sri Lankan New Year Festival) takes place in April and is celebrated all over the country by most Sri Lankans.
May
If you’re visiting this month, your best bet is to look towards the East for the best weather. For the rest of the country, you can expect bursts of rainfall associated with monsoon season.
Diving season on the East coast typically runs from May to October.
Vesak Poya is celebrated on the first full moon in May but will vary every year so do some research in advance if you’re looking to tie your visit in with this festival not to be missed.
June
The East Coast beaches continue to be the best place to go in Sri Lanka if you’re planning a visit this month. The weather will be ideal with warm weather and little rainfall to speak of.
Diving season on the East coast typically runs from May to October.
July
The East Coast beaches continue to be the best place to go in Sri Lanka if you’re planning a visit this month. The weather will be ideal with warm weather and little rainfall to speak of.
Diving season on the East coast typically runs from May to October.
August
The East Coast continues to provide excellent weather though you can open up your mind to other parts of the country this month as the rainfall in those areas subside when comparing to previous months.
Diving season on the East coast typically runs from May to October.
September
The areas of Sri Lanka to stick to if you’re visiting this month are the North and East for the best weather conditions.
Diving season on the East coast typically runs from May to October.
October
This is probably a time to avoid Sri Lanka due to the amount of rain that will fall across the entire island though travellers who are gastronomically inclined will love the World Spice Festival which takes place every October in Colombo.
Diving season on the East coast typically runs from May to October.
November
The best areas to visit are the South and West though make it later in the month for more sunshine and less rainfall.
Diwali is a Hindu festival celebrated across the country in either October or November. A beautiful event and an opportunity to witness locals creating glowing houses.
Diving season on the South and West coast typically runs from November to April.
December
Due to monsoon rainfall, avoid the North and East but for the rest, it’s the start of the peak season in Sri Lanka and you’ll experience incredible weather away from the UK winter.
Diving season on the South and West coast typically runs from November to April.
For wildlife enthusiasts, visit the South Coast for some whale watching.
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