East Coast vs West Coast –
Seasonal Travel Guide

When planning a trip to Sri Lanka, one of the first decisions travellers face is, “Which coast should I visit?” The answer depends entirely on seasonal weather patterns. Sri Lanka’s east and west coasts experience different monsoon seasons, which means that while one side is sunny and calm, the other may be rainy and rough.

This guide compares the East Coast vs West Coast of Sri Lanka, helping you choose the perfect destination for your travel dates, whether you’re after sunbathing, surfing, diving, or cultural exploration.

West Coast – The Classic Route (November to April)

Climate & Best Time:
  • Peak season: November–April.
  • Dry weather, calm seas, and sunny skies.
Highlights:
  • Colombo & Negombo – Urban charm, nightlife, shopping.
  • Bentota & Kalutara – Family-friendly resorts, water sports, and Ayurveda retreats.
  • Galle & Unawatuna – Historic Galle Fort and lively beach vibes.
  • Mirissa – Whale watching capital of Sri Lanka.
Activities:
Swimming, snorkelling, dolphin and whale watching, luxury resorts, and nightlife.

East Coast – The Untouched Gem (May to September)

Climate & Best Time:
  • Peak season: May–September.
  • Perfectly calm seas and plenty of sunshine.
Highlights:
  • Trincomalee & Nilaveli – White sandy beaches, Pigeon Island snorkelling.
  • Passikudah & Kalkudah – Shallow turquoise waters ideal for families.
  • Arugam Bay – A surfing hotspot ranked among the world’s top 10.
Activities:
Surfing, diving, snorkelling, whale watching, and beachside relaxation.

Best Time to Visit by Region

Feature West Coast (Nov–Apr) East Coast (May–Sep)

Best Season

 Dec–Mar (peak dry weather) Jun–Aug (surfing, calm seas)
Key Beaches Bentota, Mirissa, Unawatuna Trincomalee, Passikudah, Arugam Bay
Activities Whale watching, snorkeling, luxury resorts Surfing, diving, family beach holidays
Atmosphere Bustling, developed, more crowded Remote, relaxed, off-the-beaten-path

Which Coast
Should You Choose?

  • For beach luxury and culture – Choose the West Coast (resorts, Galle Fort, nightlife).
  • For surf and unspoiled charm – Pick the East Coast (Arugam Bay, Passikudah).
  • For families with kids – Both coasts are suitable, depending on the month.
  • For year-round exploration – Consider splitting your time across both coasts if your trip spans transition months.

Travel Tips

  • Monsoon impact – Swimming is unsafe during the off-season due to rough seas.
  • Internal travel – It’s easy to combine both coasts via domestic flights or road trips.
  • Festivals – Time your trip with Kandy Perahera (July/August) or local festivals for added cultural value.

Plan Your Journey
with Hayleys

The beauty of Sri Lanka lies in its seasonal balance — when one coast rests, the other comes alive. Whether you’re seeking luxury escapes on the west coast or hidden gems on the east, there’s always a perfect coastline waiting for you.

Plan Your Trip

Stay Inspired

Browse our seasonal Sri Lanka tour packages and let Hayleys craft your perfect east or west coast escape.