The year at a glance
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South & west coast | ||||||||||||
| Hill country | ||||||||||||
| Cultural Triangle | ||||||||||||
| East coast |
Choose your month
Sri Lanka in January
Peak season on the south and west coasts and in the hill country: dry, sunny and warm. The east coast is in its rainy season.
Highlights this month
- Whale watching from Mirissa (season roughly November to April).
- Duruthu Perahera procession at Kelaniya, near Colombo, on the January full moon.
- Adam's Peak pilgrimage season (December to May).
- Clear views on the Kandy to Ella train.
Sri Lanka in February
One of the driest months in the south, west and hill country, and a great all-round month. The east coast starts to dry out.
Highlights this month
- Yala National Park enters its best season (February to June).
- Navam Perahera at Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo, on the February full moon.
- Whale watching off Mirissa.
Sri Lanka in March
Hot and dry across most of the island, with fewer crowds than in December and January.
Highlights this month
- One of the best months for blue whales off Mirissa.
- Good leopard season in Yala.
- Pleasant, cool weather in Nuwara Eliya's tea country.
Sri Lanka in April
A transition month: still mostly fine everywhere, with afternoon showers becoming more frequent on the south-west coast towards the end of the month.
Highlights this month
- Sinhala and Tamil New Year on 13–14 April: a great time to see local traditions, but some businesses close for a few days.
- Nuwara Eliya's busy April holiday season.
- The east coast season begins.
Sri Lanka in May
The south-west monsoon arrives, bringing rain to the south and west coasts. Head east and to the Cultural Triangle instead.
Highlights this month
- Vesak, the full moon of May: lanterns and decorations across the island.
- Calm seas and clear skies at Trincomalee and Pasikuda.
- Still a good month for safaris in Yala.
Sri Lanka in June
Rain continues on the south-west coast, while the east coast and the Cultural Triangle are dry and sunny.
Highlights this month
- Poson, the June full moon, celebrated especially at Anuradhapura and Mihintale.
- Surf season at Arugam Bay (roughly May to September).
- Whale and dolphin watching off Trincomalee.
Sri Lanka in July
Showers on the south-west coast, often with dry spells in between. A great month for the east coast and the Cultural Triangle.
Highlights this month
- Kandy Esala Perahera, usually in July or August (dates follow the lunar calendar).
- The elephant "Gathering" begins at Minneriya and Kaudulla (roughly July to October).
- Kataragama festival (July or August).
Sri Lanka in August
Similar to July: the east coast and Cultural Triangle are at their best, with mixed weather in the south-west.
Highlights this month
- Peak of the elephant Gathering at Minneriya and Kaudulla.
- Kandy Esala Perahera often falls in August: book Kandy hotels well ahead.
- Nallur festival in Jaffna, usually in August.
Sri Lanka in September
The last good month on the east coast, and a quieter, better-value time to travel.
Highlights this month
- The elephant Gathering continues at Minneriya and Kaudulla.
- Yala's main block usually closes for several weeks around September and October: choose Udawalawe or Wilpattu instead.
Sri Lanka in October
The inter-monsoon period: the most unpredictable month, with short, heavy downpours across the island. Travel is still possible, but build in some flexibility.
Highlights this month
- Lower prices and fewer visitors.
- Cultural sites and temples work well between showers.
- Deepavali, the festival of lights (October or November).
Sri Lanka in November
Rain eases on the south-west coast towards the end of the month, while the north-east monsoon brings rain to the east.
Highlights this month
- The whale-watching season starts again at Mirissa.
- Migratory birds arrive at Bundala (roughly October to March).
- A good shoulder month before the December rush.
Sri Lanka in December
The start of peak season on the south and west coasts. The hill country can still be showery, and the east coast is in its rainy season.
Highlights this month
- Beach season and whale watching on the south coast.
- Adam's Peak pilgrimage season opens on the December full moon.
- Christmas and New Year are the busiest weeks: book early.
Weather patterns are typical, not guaranteed: monsoons can start a little early or late, and showers are usually short. Festival dates that follow the lunar calendar change every year. Read our full best-time-to-visit guide.
