When to visit Sri Lanka
A tropical paradise in the middle of the Indian Ocean, with a fascinating history that dates back centuries, diverse culture, incredible emerald-covered landscapes, and exotic wildlife, Sri Lanka is the ultimate bucket-list destination. The island’s varying climate ensures that, with careful planning, it can be enjoyed year-round.
The best time to arrive in Sri Lanka depends on the areas of the country you plan to visit. Generally, November through to April is the optimal time for ‘classic’ itineraries, focusing on the centre, south, and west of the island. At this time of year, the ‘Maha’ monsoon is affecting the eastern and northern half of the island, leaving the other side relatively dry and clear.
Read MoreSri Lanka season-by-season
Sri Lanka is a truly compelling destination, and with a varied climate which has something to offer all around the year. We’ve put together an overview of climate season-by-season and region-by-region below.
High season for classic itineraries
November to April
This is the most popular time to travel, with the weather at its best the major regions of interest such as the Hill Country and south and west coasts. Major coastal cities Colombo and Galle, and beach areas such as Bentota and Mirissa are at their driest time of year, with average daytime temperatures ranging between 80-95F. Temperatures drop off as you move through higher elevations, with highland destinations such as Hatton and Nuwara Eliya pleasantly warm during the day but decidedly cool in the evenings and early mornings. areas a bit cooler.
High season for east coast beaches
June to September
These months see the arrival of the Yala monsoon, bringing rains to the southwestern coast of the island, especially the heel of the country between Galle and Colombo. Beaches on the opposite side of the island – Nilaveli, Passekudah, Kalkudah, Arugam Bay – now come into their own with calm waters and long days of clear sunshine. The central belt of the island – the Cultural Triangle, Kandy, and the Hill Country – remain mostly dry and predictable, so full touring itineraries can still be conducted, albeit with a switch to the east coast to finish. Such itineraries also tend to bring in the more eastern national parks Wasgamuya, Maduru Oya, and Gal Oya.
Inter-Monsoonal Months
May & October
These months fall in between Sri Lanka’s two monsoons, with the inter-monsoonal periods sometimes lasting as long as 2-3 months or as little as just a couple of weeks. Although rainfall patterns are unpredictable during this time, it can still be a great time to travel with few crowds and outstanding rates on offer, so there is incentive should you feel more relaxed about the weather! For return visitors or those seeking to get off-the-beaten-bath September and October is the best time of the year to visit Jaffna and the far north, which is glorious at this time.
Ready to plan your trip?
What ever you want from your dream trip, our team of
experts are ready to help.
Why book with Unforgettable Travel Co.
-
100% Financial Protection
We are a licensed and fully bonded tour operator financially protected by both the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust (ABTOT). All clients that travel with us are fully financially protected.
-
Destination Experts
Our travel experts live and breathe the destinations they specialise in. This shows in their passionate to create hand crafted trips for our clients. We don’t offer cookie cutter trips, just truly unforgettable journeys unlike any other.
-
The Best Guides
What makes our trips extraordinary is the unique immersive experiences we include. We pride ourselves in our black book of sought after expert guides, game rangers and local contacts who believe in our philosophy, unforgettable.
-
We Care
From the moment you book your trip, we are on hand 24/7 to assist you throughout your journey. With regional offices around the world, we have ground logistics teams on hand to help you every step of the way.
Ready to plan your trip?
What ever you want from your dream trip, our team of
experts are ready to help.
COPYRIGHT © 2024 UNFORGETTABLE TRAVEL. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED