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When Is The Best Time To Visit Sri Lanka?
Wondering when’s the best time to visit Sri Lanka? You’re in the right place. Having been lucky enough to explore Sri Lanka multiple times on TBLC trips, we can speak from first-hand experience when we say that it’s a year-round destination.
But choosing the right time to visit can make all the difference to your adventure – so let’s take a look at a few factors and work out when might be the best time to go to Sri Lanka for the adventure of a lifetime…
Sri Lanka’s Dry Season: December to March
If you’re looking for clear skies, dry weather, sunshine and perfect beach weather, then the period from December to March is your best bet in Sri Lanka.
This is when the south and west coasts, as well as the central highlands, enjoy their driest weather and it’s perfect for our Best of Sri Lanka trip, which next runs in March…
You can find out more about our Best of Sri Lanka trip here.
During the trip, we’ll be exploring the Cultural Triangle and relaxing on the southern beaches where you can expect balmy temperatures of around 30°C, although hill temperatures tend to be a little lower, sitting at about 20°C.
It’s the ideal for climbing Sigiriya Rock Fortress or exploring the ancient city of Polonnaruwa without breaking too much of a sweat!
Sri Lanka’s Shoulder Seasons: April, March and September
March, April and September are what I like to call the ‘Goldilocks months’ – not too wet, not too dry, just right.
The reality, of course, is that the shoulder seasons can last for a little bit longer, but you’re generally guaranteed the perfect balance of good weather and fewer tourists in Sri Lanka during the months of March, April and September.
Even if you do get caught in any rain, it’s short-lived and can break up any tropical heat that’s built up.
It’s also a great time for wildlife enthusiasts, with water levels lower meaning that it’s much easier to spot animals gathering at water holes!
April has the Tamil New Year celebrations, so if you’re planning on sticking around for that, it’s worth working out where you’re going to be to make the most of it.
Sri Lanka Out Of Season
As Sri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean, you can expect varied weather conditions across the year.
May-August is known as the ‘green season’ with monsoons a possibility.
Don’t let that scare you away, though! While the south and west coasts tend to be wet and windy during these months, the north and east coasts can actually enjoy some of their best weather of the year.
It can be a great time to explore the island, although we tend to stick to the reliability of March as a great time to make the most of all that Sri Lanka has to offer.
October and November are more of a mixed bag, with no guarantees on what you’ll get. It might be wet and windy, or it might be sunny – think mid-autumn in the UK if you’re looking for a comparison!
So, When Is Best To Visit Sri Lanka?
If you’re looking to make the most of wildlife watching, including spotting elephants and leopards in Yala National Park, then you want to be visiting between February and July.
While if whale watching is high up on your agenda, you’re looking at anything from November-April to give you the best chance of catching sight of blue whales in person.
Cultural festivals mostly take place during our summer months (July and August mainly) while the Tamil New Year is in April.
BUT for the Best of Sri Lanka, we think March is absolutely perfect. See what we did there – it’s the name of our trip for a reason… because you really do see the best of Sri Lanka!
We’ve timed our Best of Sri Lanka trip to make the most of the country’s diverse climate, ensuring you get the best possible experience. That way you can enjoy everything that Sri Lanka has to offer without worrying about weather, conditions or anything out of your control.
And with our flexible payment plans, your Sri Lankan adventure could be closer than you think! Find out more about that, check out the itinerary and get loads more info on the trip page linked below.
If you don’t book it now… Will you ever?
