Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

Generally, the dry season is the perfect time of the year to plan a trip to Sri Lanka, when the weather is pleasant with temperature hovering in between 23 degrees and 30-degree celsius. From beaches to hill stations, tourists can enjoy their holidays without any weather-related problems since it is an ideal time to visit Sri Lanka. Trincomalee region is popular for the unquestionably beautiful beaches of Nilaveli and Uppuveli. Given below is the in-depth analysis of different seasons of Sri Lanka throughout the year.

January to March (22 °C - 32 °C) 

The West and South Coasts and hill country can be visited during this period. This is considered the dry season in most places in Sri Lanka. This is also the peak season to visit Sri Lanka so expect crowds and sky-high prices for flights and hotels.

Festivals and Events: Vesak Poya, Maha Shivarathri, Galle Literary Festival, Independence Day, Thai Pongal, 

April to May (25 °C - 32 °C)

The month of April is known for the hottest temperatures in Sri Lanka. Even the hill stations such as Nuwara Eliya experience hot weather in April. However, it’s an ideal month to explore coastal areas. Beach lovers can enjoy clear skies and sunny days, but make sure to avoid going out in the afternoon hours when sightseeing. It is not the best season to visit Sri Lanka, still, you can enjoy mildly during this month. Temperatures in May begin to cool off in the coastal regions and Hill Country of Sri Lanka. However, there is plenty of sunshine and dry weather in early May. Monsoon arrives from Southwest around the end of May to bring down temperatures at the hill stations.

Festivals and Events: Sinhala, Bak Poya, Full Moon Vesak Poya Day 

June to September ( 25 °C - 30 °C)

The beaches of Galle and Kandy along with places like Sigiriya and Yala National Park are best visited during this period. Pleasant weather can be enjoyed in August on the East Coast.

Festivals and Events: Poson Festival, Kataragama Esala Festival, Esala Perahera, Vel Festival

October – December (23 °C - 30 °C)

The monsoon season is in full swing and many regions along the North and East Coast of Sri Lanka are drenched heavily by thunderstorms on most days. This is the wettest period across Sri Lanka which makes it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities. It is surely not the best time to go to Sri Lanka for outdoor activities or expansive sightseeing. December is the best month to visit Sri Lanka owing to calm seas, pleasant temperatures, and less rainfall. While the beaches have clear skies, the climate in Sri Lanka (which is mostly humid) remains perfect to explore hill stations and coffee plantations.

Festivals and Events: Sri Pada Pilgrimage, IL Poya, Deepavali

When considering the best time to visit Sri Lanka, one should have an idea of the climatic conditions that are generally experienced in this country during different months of the year. The country has got excellent climatic conditions, which makes it ranked amongst some of the best holiday destinations in Asia. Below is the detailed season-wise look at the ideal time to visit Sri Lanka.