Introduction

Planning your trip to Sri Lanka and wondering about the ideal time to go? Don’t stress too much about the monsoons – just pack an umbrella for some shade from the sun and occasional showers.

When considering the best time to visit Sri Lanka, it’s important to take into account the two monsoon seasons: the Yala (south-west; April-September) and the Maha (north-east; November-March). With that in mind, the optimal time to travel to Sri Lanka typically falls between November and April in the south-west, and from February to September in the north-east.

However, it’s worth noting that July and August are popular months in the south, with many families embracing the occasional tropical downpours and hot sunshine.

May is also often a delightful choice. Sri Lanka generally enjoys an average temperature of 25°C throughout the year, except for the Hill Country around Nuwara Eliya, which tends to be cooler at around 19°C – especially at night.

A Month-by-Month Guide on When to Visit Sri Lanka

January in Sri Lanka

• Warm, dry, and sunny weather.
• Ideal for cycling, hiking, and wildlife enthusiasts.
• Early January is a busy period, so it’s wise to book in advance.
• The north-eastern region starts to dry up as the monsoon season ends, making it an excellent time for hiking in central Sri Lanka.

February 

• Beach weather in the south with hot sunshine.
• Ideal for wildlife tours, especially in national parks like Yala.
• Perfect for active holidays like hiking, biking, and kayaking in the cooler mountainous regions of Sri Lanka.

March 

• The best time to witness blue whale watching as they feed on krill.
• Generally dry and hot weather across the south.
• The Hill Country begins to warm up, making it a great time for adventurous honeymooners.

April 

• Perfect for family adventures.
• Ideal for cycling and camping in the Hill Country.
• Blue whale sightings are still possible until the end of April.

May

• Peaceful low season with fewer tourists.
• Located between monsoons, providing pleasant weather.
• Eastern Sri Lanka’s beautiful, undeveloped beaches are a highlight.
• Last chance to visit sacred Adam’s Peak before the weather changes.

June

• Ideal for exploring northern Sri Lanka as the monsoon season starts in the south.
• Great for discovering Tamil temples in Jaffna and the sandy north-eastern beaches.
• Excellent for bird watching and elephant tracking tours in national parks.

July

• Island-wide tours are popular.
• Northern Sri Lanka enjoys sunny, warm weather.
• Best time for wildlife viewing at Yala National Park.
• Average temperatures around 30°C all over Sri Lanka.

August

• Preferred by families due to hot, dry, and sunny conditions in the north.
• Reduced monsoon downpours in the south-west.
• Whale watching season off the coast of Trincomalee.
• Crowds may affect leopard sightings in Yala National Park.
• Cultural Triangle experiences less wind but temperatures over 30°C.

September

• Excellent for exploring northern and eastern Sri Lanka before the monsoon season.
• Last chance for dry, sunny beach days in the east.
• Rainier and windier conditions in the south and west towards the end of the month.
• Lower prices and fewer crowds are common in September.

October

• Marks the beginning of the north-east monsoon season.
• Occasional heavy showers possible throughout Sri Lanka
• Lowest temperatures along the south-west coast, averaging around 28°C.
• Quiet and less crowded across the country as the main tourist season approaches.

November

• North-east monsoon season continues.
• Tourist season starts, offering more small group tour options.
• Frequent sudden downpours mixed with hot sunshine.
• Umbrellas are essential.
• North-east monsoon less severe than the south-west’s rainy season.

December

• A popular month for travel.
• Ideal for cycling, hiking, and family adventures.
• Book well in advance due to high visitor numbers.
• Wide range of activities available, including Ayurvedic and cooking retreats.