May to September
South-west monsoon
Rain in the south and west. The east coast and north are at their best.
West and south coastNegombo, Galle, Mirissa, Tangalle
Rainy
KalpitiyaDolphins or kitesurfing
Kitesurfing
Hill countryKandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Bandarawela
Rainy
Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak)Pilgrim season December to May
Off season
Cultural TriangleAnuradhapura, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa
Fine
NorthJaffna and Point Pedro
Rainy
East coastTrincomalee, Batticaloa, Arugam Bay
Fine
Yala National ParkClosed Sep to mid Oct
Closed
Best Fine Rainy or closed
Calendar
Wildlife and festivals
- Dolphins, KalpitiyaNov – Apr
- Blue whales, MirissaNov – Apr
- Whales, TrincomaleeMar – Aug
- Kitesurfing, KalpitiyaMay – Oct
- Surf, Arugam BayMay – Sep
- Climbing Sri PadaDec – May
- Migrant birds, AnawilundawaOct – Apr
- Yala National ParkClosed Sep – mid Oct
- Esala Perahera, KandyJul or Aug
- Nallur festival, JaffnaAround Aug
FAQ
Seasons, answered
When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
It depends on the coast. December to April is best for the west and south coasts and the hill country. April to September is best for the east coast and the north. Somewhere on the island is usually dry in every month.
When is whale watching in Sri Lanka?
Off Mirissa on the south coast, roughly November to April. Off Trincomalee on the east coast, roughly March to August.
When can you climb Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak)?
The pilgrim season runs from about December to May, when the path is lit at night and the weather is clearest.
Is Yala National Park open all year?
No. Yala usually closes in September and the first half of October.