Best Time to Visit Colombo

Colombo weather is generally tropical and humid due to its location. The best time of year to visit Colombo is not the Southwest monsoon from May to August as the duration has very heavy rainfall in the region making it hard for tourists to explore the place. It is also the best time to visit Bentota Beach and Galle Face Green. The island nation has a very long monsoon with the good amount of rainfall throughout the year.

Located on the western coast of Sri Lanka, Colombo experiences subtropical weather throughout the year. Apart from the heavy rainfall in monsoon months, every season is the best time of year to visit Colombo. Let's take a season-wise detailed look at the best time to visit Colombo and Kandy.

January to March (31 to 24 °C)

The colder months of Colombo are ideal to explore the coastal regions and hill stations nearby. The city is crowded with plenty of tourists at Galle Face Green. The weather is mostly dry and sunny during these months. Duruthu Perahera Festival is also held in January so expect higher hotel prices and flight tickets.

April to October (25 to 30 °C)

With the onset of the monsoon season in Colombo, torrential rainfall begins. June through September is the wettest time of the year although there are a few days with clear skies. The city gets less crowded from May which makes it a good time to soak in the peaceful surroundings and natural beauty here. As this is an off season, you will also get good discounts on hotels and flights.

November to December (23 to 30 °C)

Due to northeast monsoon, the weather in Colombo begins to get hot and humid during these months. However, the overall climate is still comfortable enough for sightseeing and outdoor activities on the beach.  

Famous Festivals in Colombo

The Buddhist festival of Vesak Poya is celebrated all over Sri Lanka on the full moon in March to commemorate the birth of Buddha. Sinhala and Tamil New Year in April marks the beginning of the new year for the islanders. Hindu festivals of Maha Shivratri and Diwali are also celebrated in Colombo.