Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

From relaxing on the beach and making the most of the warm weather to sheltering from the monsoon rains in a scenic Buddhist temple, there are endless things to do in Sri Lanka, no matter the time of year. 

If you’re unsure when to go to Sri Lanka, our destination experts are on hand to advise and help you pick the best dates for your holiday. With all the insider knowledge, they know the best times to visit the country to enjoy a range of experiences - from when to go whale watching to the best times to visit the Hill Country - they can help you plan the perfect holiday around what you want to see and do. 

When is the best time of year to visit Sri Lanka?

The best time of year to visit Sri Lanka depends on which parts of the country you’d like to see. 

Temperatures are warm all year long throughout Sri Lanka, with coastal areas consistently experiencing 30℃ and above. The central hills remain cooler, making them a great destination to visit during May, June and July when the rest of the country is at its hottest. 

Thanks to its tropical climate, Sri Lanka also has monsoon seasons with heavy rainfall from May to September in the southwest and October to January in the northeast. While conditions may be stormy in these areas, other parts of the country are usually dry and sunny during these months, meaning there is always somewhere to visit. 

No matter when you’d like to travel, our experts will gladly create a uniquely customised itinerary for your trip so you can just sit back, relax and enjoy your time in Sri Lanka.

Spring in Sri Lanka

With warm temperatures and minimal rainfall, spring is a great time to visit destinations across Sri Lanka. 

March and April are the best times to visit the south of Sri Lanka weather-wise, allowing you to enjoy the heat and avoid the oncoming Mala monsoon that begins in May. Make the most of the ideal conditions with a visit to one of the region's beautiful beaches or travel to the colonial port of Galle to learn more about Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. 

Spring is also an ideal time to visit Sri Lanka’s national parks and catch a glimpse of leopards, elephants and water buffalo on an unforgettable safari trip. 

Summer in Sri Lanka

With temperatures in the 30s across most of the country, summer in Sri Lanka can be hot and humid. While the Yala monsoon takes place in the southwest, this is a good time to visit the north and east of the country. For nature-lovers, the North Western Province provides stunning natural scenery and is home to the famous Wilpattu National Park. Alternatively, for those looking to relax on a palm-lined beach, we recommend a visit to the East Coast. 

As temperatures climb higher, central locations like Kandy and the Hill Country provide a welcome respite from the heat. Now is the time to take the famous Kandy to Ella train or explore the lush plantations of Nuwara Eliya. 

Autumn in Sri Lanka

Falling between the major monsoons, the weather in autumn can be a bit unpredictable. But don’t let this put you off. 

In fact, October and November are good times to go to Sri Lanka’s south coast for whale watching without the crowds. Head to Trincomalee to catch a glimpse of blue whales, sperm whales and even dolphins as they migrate through the Indian Ocean. We can even arrange a private boat trip with a local guide to get you as close as possible to these amazing creatures.

The autumn is also a good time to visit the Cultural Triangle if you’re looking to beat the tourists. Take a trip to Sigiriya to see the famous ancient fortress or visit Anuradhapura to see the breathtaking Dagobas domes. 

Winter in Sri Lanka

While it may be cold and grey in the UK, winter is one of the best times of year to visit Sri Lanka.

Temperatures are typically in the high twenties and conditions are dry throughout most of the country, making this a good time to visit most locations. 

Colombo is a great winter destination, with sunny and dry conditions. Combining colonial architecture, amazing food and beautiful temples, a visit to this cosmopolitan capital will give you a taste of everything this country has to offer. Christmas and New Year are popular times to travel to Sri Lanka so make sure you plan well in advance and be prepared to pay a little more for accommodation.