December to April
Usually the best time for the south and west coasts, Galle, the hill country and the Cultural Triangle. It is the main tourist season, with whale-watching off Mirissa. The north and east can be wetter early in this period.
May to September
The south-west monsoon brings more rain and rougher seas to the south and west coasts. The east coast, Trincomalee, Pasikuda and the Arugam Bay surf season are usually at their best, and the Cultural Triangle is generally dry. The Kandy Esala Perahera usually falls in July or August.
October and November
Inter-monsoon months that can bring heavy showers island-wide. Travel is still possible and prices can be lower, but plan flexible days.
By interest
Beaches: choose the coast by month. Wildlife: parks are open for most of the year, with the Minneriya elephant gathering usually in the later dry season. Hiking: the hill country often has clearer mornings early in the year. Culture: year-round, with festivals following the lunar calendar.
Month by month
- January to March: dry and sunny on the south and west coasts and in the hill country; the main peak season.
- April: hot; Sinhala and Tamil New Year holidays mid-month; transition between monsoons.
- May to September: south-west monsoon brings rain to the south and west; the east coast, north and Cultural Triangle are usually drier. Kandy's Esala Perahera falls in July or August.
- October and November: the inter-monsoon period, with showers possible island-wide.
- December: the north-east monsoon brings rain to the east, while the south and west become drier. The Adam's Peak season begins.
Weather in the hills
The hill country has its own climate. Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains can be cold at night all year round, and mist and showers are possible in any month. Mornings are generally clearer than afternoons, so plan hikes early.
The weather varies from year to year. Treat these patterns as guidance and keep the plan flexible.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rainy season in Sri Lanka?
Broadly, May to September in the south-west and around November to February in the north-east, with inter-monsoon showers around October and November. Patterns vary.
Is it worth visiting in the monsoon?
Often, yes. Rain tends to fall in heavy bursts and the opposite coast may be dry.
When is it hottest?
The lowlands are warm all year; the months before the south-west monsoon can feel especially hot and humid.