Sri Lanka Weather by Month
A Complete Guide for Travellers

One of the most common questions travellers ask before planning their holiday is: “What’s the weather like in Sri Lanka?” Given that the island lies close to the equator, Sri Lanka enjoys a warm, tropical climate throughout the year. But what makes the weather unique is the influence of two separate monsoon seasons, which affect different parts of the island at different times.

This means there is always a corner of Sri Lanka enjoying good weather, no matter when you visit. In this guide, we’ll break down Sri Lanka’s weather month by month, helping you decide the best time to travel depending on whether you want to explore beaches, hill country, or cultural landmarks.

January – Sunny Escapes in the South & West

Weather:
Dry, sunny, and warm.
Best for:
Southern beaches (Mirissa, Unawatuna, Bentota), cultural visits to Galle Fort, and safaris in Yala National Park.
Average temperatures:

27–30°C on the coast, cooler in the hills (15–20°C).

Tip: January is perfect for whale watching in Mirissa.

February – Peak Travel Season

Weather:
Stable, with blue skies and low rainfall in most areas.
Best for:
Beach holidays on the south and west coasts, Ella train rides, and tea country tours.
Festivals:
Navam Perahera in Colombo adds cultural flair.

March – End of the Peak Season

Weather:
Still good on the west and south coasts, though humidity begins to rise.
Best for:
Relaxing by the beach, visiting Kandy, and exploring Sigiriya.

April – Island-Wide Travel

Weather:
Both coasts offer decent conditions, making April one of the few months where the entire island is accessible.
Best for:
Family holidays, cultural tours, and nature treks in Nuwara Eliya.
Festivals:
Sinhala & Tamil New Year, a wonderful cultural celebration.

May – Start of the Southwest Monsoon

Weather:
Rains begin in Colombo, Galle, and Bentota. East coast beaches open up.
Best for:
Trincomalee and Passikudah (calm seas and pristine beaches).

June – East Coast at Its Best

Weather:
Rain in the southwest, dry and sunny on the east coast.
Best for:
Snorkelling and diving in Pigeon Island, surfing in Arugam Bay.
elevated view of the temple of the sacred tooth relic in kandy.

July – Adventure & Festivals

Weather:
East coast thrives, while Kandy celebrates the grand Esala Perahera.
Best for:
Surfing in Arugam Bay and cultural immersion in Kandy.

August – Summer Holidays in the East

Weather:
Great in the east, still wet in the southwest.
Best for:
Trincomalee, whale watching in the east, hiking in Ella.
beach at sunset with trees and crashing waves.

September – Shoulder Season

Weather:
Rain starts easing on the southwest coast.
Best for:
Both east and west coasts may be accessible; great for travelers seeking fewer crowds.
a winding path through the pedro tea estate in nuwara eliya.

October – Inter-monsoon Season

Weather:
Unpredictable showers across the island.
Best for:
Hill country explorations in Nuwara Eliya and Kandy.

November – Transition Month

Weather:
Rain tapers off on the west coast, east coast season winds down.
Best for:

Colombo, Negombo, Bentota beaches start reopening.

December – Start of the High Season

Weather:
Dry season begins in the south and west.
Best for:
Christmas/New Year holidays on the beach, safaris, cultural tours.

Plan Your Journey
with Hayleys

Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, but the best places to visit depend on the month and the coast you choose. For southern and western beaches, December–April is ideal, while the east coast shines from May–September.
Plan Your Trip

Stay Inspired

Check out our curated Sri Lanka tour packages to plan your trip in any season.