Deals of the Week  Global Getaways  Up to 50% OFF

Deals end: 1 Apr, 2025
Beach in Sri Lanka

Weather in Sri Lanka

Table of contents

Weather by season
Weather by month
Weather by region
The best time to visit
Travel tips for every weather
Your packing list for Sri Lanka
Weather phenomena
FAQ

Welcome to the enchanting island of Sri Lanka, filled with sun-kissed beaches and lush greenery during the monsoon season. Our guide to the weather in Sri Lanka will take you on a journey through the vivid landscapes, rich culture, and unique climate of this island paradise, helping you to decide when to visit this magical country.

See all Sri Lanka tours
ExcellentTrustpilot Star

Based on 7,923 reviews

Weather in Sri Lanka by season

Beach in Sri Lanka

Maha season (December - March)

This is the monsoon season in the northeast of the country, which hits the area between October and March. The area is wettest during November and December.
 
Sri Lanka tours in Maha season (Dec - Mar)
Lush landscape in Sri Lanka

Yala season (April - September)

This is the monsoon season in the southwest of the country, which hits the area in May and August.
 
Sri Lanka tours in Yala season (Apr - May) Sri Lanka tours in Yala season (Jun - Aug)

Monthly overview of the weather in Sri Lanka

MonthAvg Temp °CAvg Temp °FRain/Snow
January 22 to 31 72 to 88 Mostly dry, mild showers in central hills
February 23 to 32 73 to 90 Dry and warm, occasional showers inland
March 24 to 33 75 to 91 Increasing humidity, scattered rain
April 25 to 34 77 to 93 Hot, onset of inter-monsoon rains
May 26 to 33 79 to 91 Southwest monsoon brings rain to the south
June 25 to 31 77 to 88 Heavy rainfall in southwest, drier in east
July 25 to 30 77 to 86 Continued southwest monsoon rains
August 25 to 30 77 to 86 Less rain but still humid and warm
September 25 to 31 77 to 88 Scattered rain, high humidity
October 24 to 31 75 to 88 Northeast monsoon starts, frequent showers
November 23 to 30 73 to 86 Heavy rainfall in northeast and east
December 22 to 30 72 to 86 Northeast monsoon rains, drier in south

Weather in Sri Lanka by region

  • Rice terraces

    Central Province

    The weather in Sri Lanka's Central Province is cooler. It’s perfect for a visit to the tea plantations, and the cultural capital of Kandy. 

  • Beach

    Southern Province

    The Southern Province is famous for its stunning beaches. This area enjoys warm and sunny weather, making it the ideal destination for sun-seekers and surfers.

  • Colombo, Sri Lanka

    Western Province

    Home to Colombo, the country's bustling capital, the Western Province experiences a tropical climate with occasional rain showers.

  • Whale watching

    Northern Province

    The Northern Province is steeped in history. This area experiences dry and warm weather, offering perfect conditions for exploring its rich heritage.

Best time to visit Sri Lanka based on weather

The weather in Sri Lanka is quite varied across the island, with distinct weather patterns in different areas – quite unusual for such a small country. However, that means it’s a year-round destination, as there’s always somewhere in the country that’s sunny. For beach lovers and surf enthusiasts, the period from November to April is ideal. For those seeking cooler climes and scenic landscapes, the Central Province offers respite from May to September. Let TourRadar help you plan your dream adventure at any time of the year.

Read more about Sri Lanka
Beach in Sri Lanka

Weather-related travel tips

General tips for all seasons

Dress for comfort: Sri Lanka's weather is tropical, meaning it's warm and humid year-round. Lightweight, breathable clothing is a must.

Avoid the rains: The country experiences two monsoon seasons: Yala (May to August) and Maha (October to January). Planning your travel during inter-monsoon periods can offer more predictable weather.

Sun safety: Don't forget your sun protection. Pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to stay safe and comfortable whenever you visit.

Rain gear: Always carry a portable umbrella or raincoat, especially during monsoon seasons.

Stay hydrated: Sri Lanka's humidity can be deceptively draining, so drink plenty of water, especially if you’re on the go doing activities.

Packing list for Sri Lanka

  • Yala Monsoon Season (May to August)

    • Waterproof backpack
    • Lightweight raincoat
    • Umbrella
    • Quick-dry clothing
    • Waterproof shoes
    • Mosquito repellent
    • Sunscreen
    • Wide-brimmed hat
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Dry bag for electronics

  • Maha Monsoon Season (October to January)

    • Warm clothing layers
    • Waterproof boots
    • Umbrella
    • Thermal socks
    • Waterproof jacket
    • Lip balm
    • Moisturizer
    • Scarf
    • Insulated water bottle
    • Waterproof camera case

Weather phenomena in Sri Lanka

  • Grey skies in Sri Lanka

    Monsoons

    Experience the dramatic beauty of Sri Lanka's monsoons. Watch as the sky is transformed with thunderous clouds.

  • Beach

    Dry season

    Marvel at the fiery sunsets of the dry season, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink – don’t forget your camera!

  • Sigiriya

    Lush landscapes

    Walk through lush green landscapes, refreshed and reborn after a seasonal downpour. 

Best Sri Lanka tours

View all

Top-rated operators for Sri Lanka tours

View all Sri Lanka tour operators

What people ask about Sri Lanka

  • What is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?

    The monsoon seasons affect different areas of the country at different times, so the best time to visit depends on where you’re traveling to. For the west and south coasts and hill country, December to March is ideal. For the east coast, the weather is usually fine from April to September.

  • Does Sri Lanka have a dry season?

    Yes, the dry season in Sri Lanka varies by region. In the southwest, it's typically from December to March, while in the northeast, it's usually from April to September.

  • How hot does it get in Sri Lanka?

    Temperatures in Sri Lanka can get very hot! They typically range between 26°C to 30°C (78°F to 86°F) in coastal areas. In the highlands, it's cooler with temperatures often dropping to around 16°C (60°F).

  • What should I pack for Sri Lanka?

    Your packing list should include lightweight clothing and sun protection. Depending on when you’re visiting, you may also want to pack rain gear or warmer layers for the highlands.

  • Is it safe to travel during monsoon season in Sri Lanka?

    Yes – but do your research and make sure you take precautions. It's important to stay updated on weather forecasts, plan your itinerary wisely, and prepare for sudden downpours.

  • What is the humidity like in Sri Lanka?

    Sri Lanka is quite humid, with the average annual humidity above 80%. It can be particularly high during the monsoon seasons.
  • CS agent
  • CS agent
  • CS agent

24/7 Customer Support

Our team of experienced tour specialists have traveled to hundreds of countries around the globe and have decades of first-hand travel experience to share. Contact us now to have all of your tour-related questions answered!

Contact us
A Travel Magazine by TourRadar

People also visited