Even though Sri Lanka is a very small island, it is essential to plan your trip based on the region you plan to visit. As a general rule, the best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December through April for the west and south coastlines and the cultural triangle, and from September through November for the east coast.
Quick Facts Before You Go:
Peak Season: December to April (summer)
Low Season: May to August (rainy season)
Inter Monsoon Season: October to November (spring)
Sri Lanka has two distinct monsoon seasons: the Maha (October to January) and the Yala (May to August) monsoons. The northern and eastern areas of Sri Lanka are affected by the Maha monsoon, whereas the south and western regions are affected by the Yala monsoon.
Best months to visit the beaches of Sri Lanka: Jan-April and Mid-July to Sept ( South), and May-Sept (East)
When to go to Sri Lanka forwildlife viewing: Yala or Wilpattu National Park (Jan-Oct), Bundala National Park (Dec-April), Minneriya (July-Sept), and Kalpitiya (Nov-April)
Marvel at the World Heritage Site of Sigiriya
December to April - Peak Season
Plan your Sri Lanka holiday trip from December to April, the best time to visit the south and west of the country, including Colombo, Kalpitiya, Bentota, and Galle. Average Temperatures are relatively mild in this part of the country ranging from 73 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (23 to 32 degrees Celsius). Rainfall from the Maha monsoon season will be minimal, from 61 to 228 mm between December and January. You don't have to worry about getting stuck in the rains when you tour the beautiful Yala National Park and the cultural triangle World Heritage sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Kandy. This is peak season, so plan ahead for your travel plans and lodging needs.
You can have a relaxing swim in the ocean during this time of year, from January to March. Another bonus is that you're more likely to see Blue and Sperm Whales during these months.
Celebrate Duruthu, a Sri Lankan full-moon festival, in January, while Avurudu is on April 14. Sinhala and Tamil Nadu celebrate "New Year" in April, signaling the end of Sri Lanka's harvest season. The festival lasts a week and features social and gastronomic plantain-themed events.
May to August - Monsoon & Low Season
At this time of year, the Yala monsoon, or monsoon from the southwest, is in full swing. The weather of Sri Lanka, particularly in the south-western regions such as Galle and Colombo, is fairly wet. This is a low season, as the key tourist areas are engulfed by rain until July. It is, however, during this time that the country's lush green surroundings are at their best, making the country appear more beautiful than at any other time of year.
During the monsoon season, nature's beauty is at its peak. This is the ideal time of year to visit Sri Lanka if you're looking for unique experiences. From the sights and sounds to the scents and tastes, everything about it is a sensory overload. Make the most of hotels and resorts' desire to attract clients with incredible specials and discounts.
October to November - Inter-Monsoon Season
As they fall between Sri Lanka's two monsoon seasons, these months are referred to as the "inter monsoon period." The Maha monsoon, which begins in October and floods the country's north-eastern region, keeps southern and western Sri Lanka's climate relatively dry. During the inter-monsoonal season, catastrophic flooding and thunderstorms can occur anytime and anywhere. However, the off-peak season means fewer people, which is a plus as long as you don't mind the occasional downpour. The monsoon season makes the water rough, and swimming is banned, so this is not the best time to go on a beach vacation.
After the southwest monsoon, the Tea Country will be lush and green, making this a fantastic time to visit. It's also an excellent time to visit Anuradhapura, Dambulla, and Sigiriya in Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, which is dry at this time.
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