Monthly Weather & Best Times to Visit Sri Lanka
Planning your trip to Sri Lanka? Discover the best time to visit Sri Lanka based on regional weather patterns and seasonal highlights. This guide breaks down the island’s three key travel seasons:
- Dec-Apr (South/West Coast) 🌊 Best for: Pristine beaches (Mirissa, Unawatuna), cultural sites (Sigiriya, Kandy), and wildlife safaris (Yala National Park). Sunny skies with minimal rain.
- May-Sep (East Coast) 🏄 Best for: Surfing in Arugam Bay, whale watching in Trincomalee, and dry beach weather. Avoid monsoon-heavy west coast.
- Oct-Nov (Shoulder Season) 🌿 Best for: Fewer crowds, lower prices, and pleasant weather across most regions. Ideal for temple visits and hill country hikes.
Explore monthly weather tables for detailed forecasts across Colombo, Ella, Jaffna, and more. Whether you seek beach relaxation, wildlife adventures, or cultural festivals, this guide helps you pick the best time to visit Sri Lanka for your perfect getaway!
Pro Tip: Book whale watching (Dec-Apr in Mirissa, Jun-Sep in Trincomalee) and festivals (April’s Sinhala New Year) in advance!
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with two monsoon seasons:
✔ Southwest Monsoon (May–Sept) – Affects west & south coasts (Colombo, Galle, Mirissa).
✔ Northeast Monsoon (Oct–Jan) – Affects east coast (Trincomalee, Batticaloa).
Best Regions by Season:
- Dec–Apr: Best for south & west coasts (beaches, culture, safaris).
- May–Sept: Best for east coast & hill country (surfing, dry weather).
Monthly Weather Tables & Travel Tips
January (Peak Season)
Best for: Pristine beaches, cultural sites, wildlife safaris
| City | Day (°C/°F) | Night (°C/°F) | Rain (%) | Sun (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 31 / 88 | 22 / 72 | 10% | 70% |
| Kandy | 28 / 82 | 18 / 64 | 15% | 65% |
| Galle | 30 / 86 | 23 / 73 | 10% | 75% |
| Nuwara Eliya | 18 / 64 | 10 / 50 | 20% | 60% |
| Ella | 22 / 72 | 14 / 57 | 25% | 65% |
| Sigiriya | 30 / 86 | 20 / 68 | 15% | 70% |
| Anuradhapura | 29 / 84 | 21 / 70 | 10% | 75% |
| Jaffna | 27 / 81 | 23 / 73 | 30% | 65% |
| Yala | 32 / 90 | 22 / 72 | 5% | 80% |
| Trincomalee | 28 / 82 | 24 / 75 | 20% | 70% |
Travel Tips:
- Beach paradise – Southwest coasts (Mirissa/Unawatuna) at their best
- Wildlife prime time – Yala’s waterholes attract leopards and elephants
- Cool hill escapes – Ella’s hiking trails offer comfortable temperatures
- Cultural sites – Minimal crowds at Anuradhapura/Sigiriya early in month
Pro Tip: Book whale watching tours early – January offers calm seas for spotting blues and sperm whales off Mirissa.
Key Events:
- Duruthu Perahera (Colombo, mid-January) – Spectacular Buddhist procession
- Thai Pongal (Jaffna, 15 Jan) – Vibrant Hindu harvest festival
Note: New Year’s closures may affect attractions until January 3rd. Northern monsoon brings brief showers to Jaffna.
February (Peak Season)
Best for: Whale watching, beach holidays, cultural festivals
| City | Day (°C/°F) | Night (°C/°F) | Rain (%) | Sun (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 32 / 90 | 23 / 73 | 10% | 75% |
| Kandy | 29 / 84 | 18 / 64 | 15% | 70% |
| Galle | 31 / 88 | 24 / 75 | 10% | 80% |
| Nuwara Eliya | 19 / 66 | 11 / 52 | 20% | 65% |
| Ella | 23 / 73 | 15 / 59 | 20% | 70% |
| Sigiriya | 31 / 88 | 21 / 70 | 15% | 75% |
| Anuradhapura | 30 / 86 | 22 / 72 | 10% | 80% |
| Jaffna | 28 / 82 | 24 / 75 | 25% | 70% |
| Yala | 33 / 91 | 23 / 73 | 5% | 85% |
| Trincomalee | 29 / 84 | 25 / 77 | 15% | 75% |
Travel Tips:
- Whale watching peak – Highest success rates for blue whales in Mirissa
- Beach perfection – Southwest coasts (Tangalle/Hikkaduwa) ideal for swimming
- Hill country hikes – Ella’s trails offer cool mornings and clear views
- Cultural sites – Explore Sigiriya and Anuradhapura with minimal crowds
Pro Tip: Visit Jaffna’s Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil during Thai Poosam (Feb 5-6, 2025) for vibrant Hindu processions.
Key Events:
- Navam Perahera (Colombo, full moon) – Grand elephant parade
- Jaffna Literary Festival (mid-Feb) – Showcases Tamil culture
Note: Chinese New Year (Jan 29, 2025) may increase domestic travel. Book whale watching tours 2-3 weeks in advance.
Regional Highlights:
- Southwest: Best beach weather of the year
- North: Jaffna’s dry season begins
- East: Trincomalee starts transitioning to dry season
- Wildlife: Yala’s animals gather at shrinking waterholes
March (Shoulder Season)
Best for: Final beach weeks, cultural festivals, hill country hikes
| City | Day (°C/°F) | Night (°C/°F) | Rain (%) | Sun (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 33 / 91 | 24 / 75 | 15% | 70% |
| Kandy | 30 / 86 | 19 / 66 | 20% | 65% |
| Galle | 32 / 90 | 25 / 77 | 15% | 75% |
| Nuwara Eliya | 20 / 68 | 12 / 54 | 25% | 60% |
| Ella | 24 / 75 | 16 / 61 | 25% | 65% |
| Sigiriya | 32 / 90 | 22 / 72 | 20% | 70% |
| Anuradhapura | 31 / 88 | 23 / 73 | 15% | 75% |
| Jaffna | 30 / 86 | 25 / 77 | 30% | 65% |
| Yala | 34 / 93 | 24 / 75 | 10% | 80% |
| Trincomalee | 31 / 88 | 26 / 79 | 20% | 70% |
Travel Tips:
- Last optimal month for west/south coast beaches before monsoon
- Hindu festivals (Maha Shivaratri) bring colorful processions
- Ella’s waterfalls are spectacular after light showers
- Jaffna heats up – visit early mornings for temple tours
- Safaris ideal – Yala’s waterholes attract wildlife as temperatures rise.
Note: Pack both sunscreen and rain gear – afternoon showers become more frequent in hill country. March marks the transition – while still dry, humidity increases noticeably in coastal areas by month’s end. Pack light cotton clothing!
April (Hot Season)
Best for: New Year festivals, east coast beginnings, cultural experiences
| City | Day (°C/°F) | Night (°C/°F) | Rain (%) | Sun (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 34 / 93 | 26 / 79 | 30% | 60% |
| Kandy | 31 / 88 | 21 / 70 | 35% | 55% |
| Galle | 33 / 91 | 26 / 79 | 25% | 65% |
| Nuwara Eliya | 22 / 72 | 14 / 57 | 40% | 50% |
| Ella | 26 / 79 | 18 / 64 | 35% | 55% |
| Sigiriya | 35 / 95 | 25 / 77 | 25% | 65% |
| Anuradhapura | 34 / 93 | 25 / 77 | 20% | 70% |
| Jaffna | 33 / 91 | 27 / 81 | 35% | 60% |
| Yala | 36 / 97 | 26 / 79 | 15% | 75% |
| Trincomalee | 34 / 93 | 28 / 82 | 25% | 65% |
Travel Tips:
- Sinhala & Tamil New Year (April 13-14) – Expect closures nationwide
- East coast opens – Trincomalee beaches become swimmable
- Hill country gets afternoon showers – perfect for tea plantation visits in mornings
- Jaffna heats up significantly – hydrate and seek shade
Note: Carry an umbrella and book accommodations early for New Year. Temple visits are magical during festival time!
Regional Highlights:
North: Jaffna’s palmyrah fruit season begins
West/South: Final beach days before monsoon
East: First good beach weather in Trincomalee
Cultural Triangle: Hot but ideal for early morning site visits
May (Monsoon Transition)
Best for: East coast beaches, hill country escapes, surfing
| City | Day (°C/°F) | Night (°C/°F) | Rain (%) | Sun (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 32 / 90 | 26 / 79 | 50% | 40% |
| Kandy | 30 / 86 | 21 / 70 | 45% | 45% |
| Galle | 31 / 88 | 26 / 79 | 40% | 50% |
| Nuwara Eliya | 21 / 70 | 15 / 59 | 55% | 40% |
| Ella | 25 / 77 | 18 / 64 | 50% | 45% |
| Sigiriya | 33 / 91 | 24 / 75 | 35% | 55% |
| Anuradhapura | 34 / 93 | 25 / 77 | 30% | 60% |
| Jaffna | 34 / 93 | 28 / 82 | 40% | 55% |
| Yala | 35 / 95 | 26 / 79 | 25% | 65% |
| Trincomalee | 34 / 93 | 28 / 82 | 20% | 75% |
Travel Tips:
- West coast monsoon begins – Colombo/Galle see frequent showers (pack quick-dry clothing)
- East coast prime time – Arugam Bay surf season starts, Nilaveli Beach perfect for swimming
- Hill country advantage – Nuwara Eliya’s cool temps provide relief from coastal humidity
- Wildlife spotting – Yala’s animals gather at waterholes as land dries
Pro Tip: May is ideal for combining east coast beaches with cultural sites – visit Sigiriya at dawn to avoid heat.
Regional Transitions:
- West/South: Increasing rain, but mornings often clear
- East: Best beach conditions (Trinco/Arugam Bay)
- North: Jaffna gets warmer with building humidity
- Hill Country: Misty mornings create magical tea plantation views
June (Peak East Coast Season)
Best for: Surfing, wildlife safaris, cultural sites without crowds
| City | Day (°C/°F) | Night (°C/°F) | Rain (%) | Sun (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 31 / 88 | 26 / 79 | 60% | 30% |
| Kandy | 29 / 84 | 21 / 70 | 55% | 35% |
| Galle | 30 / 86 | 26 / 79 | 50% | 40% |
| Nuwara Eliya | 20 / 68 | 15 / 59 | 65% | 30% |
| Ella | 24 / 75 | 17 / 63 | 60% | 35% |
| Sigiriya | 32 / 90 | 24 / 75 | 40% | 50% |
| Anuradhapura | 33 / 91 | 25 / 77 | 35% | 55% |
| Jaffna | 33 / 91 | 28 / 82 | 45% | 50% |
| Yala | 34 / 93 | 26 / 79 | 30% | 60% |
| Trincomalee | 33 / 91 | 28 / 82 | 15% | 80% |
Travel Tips:
- Arugam Bay surf paradise – World-class waves with offshore winds
- Cultural sites empty – Explore Sigiriya and Anuradhapura with few tourists
- East coast perfection – Pigeon Island snorkeling at its best
- Wildlife corridors – Yala’s animals move between parks (great for leopard sightings)
Pro Tip: Combine east coast beach days with early morning safaris – animals most active at dawn during hot season.
Regional Highlights:
- East: Trincomalee whale watching begins (June-September)
- West: Short sunny spells between rains in Colombo/Galle
- North: Jaffna’s mango season peaks
- Hills: Tea plantations lush and green after rains
July (Peak East Coast Season)
Best for: Beach holidays, whale watching, wildlife safaris
| City | Day (°C/°F) | Night (°C/°F) | Rain (%) | Sun (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 31 / 88 | 25 / 77 | 65% | 25% |
| Kandy | 29 / 84 | 20 / 68 | 60% | 30% |
| Galle | 30 / 86 | 25 / 77 | 55% | 35% |
| Nuwara Eliya | 19 / 66 | 14 / 57 | 70% | 25% |
| Ella | 23 / 73 | 16 / 61 | 65% | 30% |
| Sigiriya | 32 / 90 | 23 / 73 | 45% | 45% |
| Anuradhapura | 33 / 91 | 24 / 75 | 40% | 50% |
| Jaffna | 33 / 91 | 27 / 81 | 50% | 45% |
| Yala | 34 / 93 | 25 / 77 | 35% | 55% |
| Trincomalee | 33 / 91 | 27 / 81 | 10% | 85% |
Travel Tips:
- Whale watching peaks in Trincomalee (blue whales frequent until September)
- Arugam Bay surf season hits its stride with consistent waves
- Cultural Triangle advantage – Sigiriya/Anuradhapura have minimal crowds
- Hill country mist creates magical tea plantation scenery
Pro Tip: July 20-22 features Kandy’s spectacular Esala Perahera festival if you can handle crowds.
Regional Highlights:
- East: Nilaveli Beach reaches perfect swimming conditions
- West: Colombo’s monsoon breaks occasionally for exploration
- North: Jaffna’s cultural festivals begin
- Wildlife: Yala’s waterholes attract maximum animal activity
August (Peak East Coast Season)
Best for: Beach holidays, surfing, cultural festivals
| City | Day (°C/°F) | Night (°C/°F) | Rain (%) | Sun (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 31 / 88 | 25 / 77 | 60% | 30% |
| Kandy | 29 / 84 | 20 / 68 | 55% | 35% |
| Galle | 30 / 86 | 25 / 77 | 50% | 40% |
| Nuwara Eliya | 19 / 66 | 14 / 57 | 65% | 30% |
| Ella | 23 / 73 | 16 / 61 | 60% | 35% |
| Sigiriya | 32 / 90 | 23 / 73 | 40% | 50% |
| Anuradhapura | 33 / 91 | 24 / 75 | 35% | 55% |
| Jaffna | 33 / 91 | 27 / 81 | 45% | 50% |
| Yala | 34 / 93 | 25 / 77 | 30% | 60% |
| Trincomalee | 33 / 91 | 27 / 81 | 15% | 80% |
Travel Tips:
- Best surfing conditions in Arugam Bay (consistent swells)
- Whale watching continues in Trincomalee (blue and sperm whales)
- Kandy Esala Perahera (August 18-22, 2024) – Asia’s most spectacular festival
- East coast beaches (Nilaveli, Uppuveli) at their prime
Pro Tip: Visit ancient sites early morning to avoid heat – Sigiriya opens at 7am.
Regional Highlights:
- East: Pigeon Island snorkeling visibility peaks
- West: Short dry spells allow Colombo exploration
- North: Jaffna’s hot weather perfect for palmyrah delicacies
- Wildlife: Yala’s leopards more visible near water sources
September (Seasonal Transition)
Best for: Shoulder season travel, mixed-region exploration
| City | Day (°C/°F) | Night (°C/°F) | Rain (%) | Sun (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 31 / 88 | 24 / 75 | 55% | 40% |
| Kandy | 29 / 84 | 20 / 68 | 50% | 45% |
| Galle | 30 / 86 | 24 / 75 | 45% | 50% |
| Nuwara Eliya | 20 / 68 | 14 / 57 | 60% | 35% |
| Ella | 24 / 75 | 17 / 63 | 55% | 40% |
| Sigiriya | 32 / 90 | 23 / 73 | 35% | 60% |
| Anuradhapura | 33 / 91 | 24 / 75 | 30% | 65% |
| Jaffna | 33 / 91 | 27 / 81 | 40% | 55% |
| Yala | 34 / 93 | 25 / 77 | 25% | 70% |
| Trincomalee | 32 / 90 | 26 / 79 | 20% | 75% |
Travel Tips:
- East coast still viable – Trincomalee remains dry through mid-month
- West coast improvement – Galle/Colombo rains become intermittent
- Best value month – Resorts offer discounts as European summer ends
- Wildlife advantage – Yala’s animals gather at shrinking waterholes
Pro Tip: Visit Sigiriya early mornings to avoid heat and crowds. Carry both sunscreen and a compact umbrella!
Regional Transitions:
- East: Last good beach month before monsoon shift
- West: Increasing dry spells between showers
- Hills: Tea harvest season begins in Nuwara Eliya
- North: Jaffna’s cultural festivals continue
October (Monsoon Shift Begins)
Best for: West coast revival, cultural exploration, wildlife safaris
| City | Day (°C/°F) | Night (°C/°F) | Rain (%) | Sun (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 31 / 88 | 24 / 75 | 45% | 55% |
| Kandy | 28 / 82 | 20 / 68 | 40% | 60% |
| Galle | 30 / 86 | 24 / 75 | 35% | 65% |
| Nuwara Eliya | 21 / 70 | 15 / 59 | 50% | 50% |
| Ella | 25 / 77 | 18 / 64 | 45% | 55% |
| Sigiriya | 31 / 88 | 23 / 73 | 30% | 70% |
| Anuradhapura | 32 / 90 | 24 / 75 | 25% | 75% |
| Jaffna | 32 / 90 | 26 / 79 | 40% | 60% |
| Yala | 33 / 91 | 25 / 77 | 20% | 80% |
| Trincomalee | 31 / 88 | 26 / 79 | 40% | 60% |
Travel Tips:
- West coast reawakens – First reliable dry spells return to Colombo/Galle beaches
- East coast closes – Trincomalee sees increasing rainfall after mid-month
- Perfect temple weather – Comfortable temperatures for exploring Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa
- Wildlife corridors – Yala’s animals become more visible as vegetation thins
Pro Tip: October features Deepavali festivals (date varies annually) – experience magical oil lamp displays in Hindu temples.
Regional Transitions:
- West/South: Beach season begins tentative return
- East: Last good diving/snorkeling before monsoon
- Cultural Triangle: Ideal conditions for ancient city exploration
- North: Jaffna’s harvest festivals begin
November (Shoulder Season)
Best for: Cultural exploration, wildlife safaris, beach holidays
| City | Day (°C/°F) | Night (°C/°F) | Rain (%) | Sun (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 30 / 86 | 23 / 73 | 35% | 65% |
| Kandy | 27 / 81 | 19 / 66 | 30% | 70% |
| Galle | 29 / 84 | 23 / 73 | 25% | 75% |
| Nuwara Eliya | 20 / 68 | 14 / 57 | 40% | 60% |
| Ella | 24 / 75 | 17 / 63 | 35% | 65% |
| Sigiriya | 30 / 86 | 22 / 72 | 20% | 80% |
| Anuradhapura | 31 / 88 | 23 / 73 | 15% | 85% |
| Jaffna | 31 / 88 | 25 / 77 | 30% | 70% |
| Yala | 32 / 90 | 24 / 75 | 10% | 90% |
| Trincomalee | 30 / 86 | 25 / 77 | 35% | 65% |
Travel Tips:
- Prime wildlife viewing – Yala’s dry landscape maximizes animal sightings
- West coast revival – Galle’s beaches become reliably sunny
- Cultural festivals – Deepavali illuminates Sri Lanka (dates vary annually)
- Shoulder season perks – Fewer crowds at major attractions
Pro Tip: November offers the ideal balance – great weather across most regions without peak season prices. Book Yala safaris at dawn for best wildlife activity!
Regional Highlights:
- West/South: Beach season resumes in full swing
- East: Last chance for calm seas before monsoon
- Cultural Triangle: Perfect conditions for temple visits
- Hills: Tea plantations lush after monsoon rains
December (Peak Season Begins)
Best for: Beach holidays, Christmas escapes, perfect island weather
| City | Day (°C/°F) | Night (°C/°F) | Rain (%) | Sun (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 30 / 86 | 22 / 72 | 20% | 80% |
| Kandy | 27 / 81 | 18 / 64 | 15% | 85% |
| Galle | 29 / 84 | 22 / 72 | 10% | 90% |
| Nuwara Eliya | 18 / 64 | 12 / 54 | 25% | 75% |
| Ella | 22 / 72 | 15 / 59 | 20% | 80% |
| Sigiriya | 29 / 84 | 21 / 70 | 10% | 90% |
| Anuradhapura | 30 / 86 | 22 / 72 | 5% | 95% |
| Jaffna | 29 / 84 | 24 / 75 | 20% | 80% |
| Yala | 31 / 88 | 23 / 73 | 5% | 95% |
| Trincomalee | 29 / 84 | 24 / 75 | 35% | 65% |
Travel Tips:
- West coast perfection – Mirissa/Unawatuna beaches reach ideal conditions
- Christmas magic – Coastal resorts host special events (book 6+ months ahead)
- Cool hill nights – Nuwara Eliya’s tea country requires light jackets
- Wildlife bonanza – Yala’s dry landscape concentrates animals at waterholes
Pro Tip: December 26-31 is the busiest travel week. Visit Sigiriya at opening (7am) to avoid crowds and midday heat!
Regional Highlights:
- South/West: Peak beach season begins
- East: Trincomalee sees increasing rain but mornings often clear
- North: Jaffna’s mild winter perfect for cultural exploration
- Hills: Spectacular year-end views from Ella’s mountain trails
Note: Some attractions close December 24-26 for Christmas. Confirm opening hours in advance.