What is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?

Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

The best time to travel to Sri Lanka is during the dry season (December to March) and the intermonsoon season (April to June).

Dry Season in Sri Lanka

The dry season in Sri Lanka is from December to March. This is the most popular time to visit as the weather is generally sunny and dry. The average temperature range is between 25-30°C. During this season, travelers can enjoy the beautiful beaches and national parks of the country. Popular attractions such as the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are especially enjoyable during this season. Additionally, visitors can experience the traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations in April.

Month-by-month guide for traveling in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka in January

Weather

January is the start of the dry season in Sri Lanka, with temperatures ranging from the low 20s to the mid 30s (Celsius). Humidity levels are low and there is very little rainfall. The days are sunny and bright, making it a great time to explore the outdoors.

Events

• The annual Galle Literary Festival takes place in January, with a variety of authors, poets, and artists from around the world gathering in the Galle Fort to celebrate literature and the arts.
• The Sri Lanka Marathon is held in January, with runners from all over the world gathering to take part in the race.
• The Kandy Esala Perahera is a grand festival that takes place in Kandy in the month of January. It is a spectacular religious and cultural event that includes a procession of elephants, dancers, drummers, and other performers.
• The Sri Lanka International Boat Show is held in January, with a variety of boats, yachts, and other marine vessels on display.
• The Negombo Beach Festival is held in January, with a variety of events and activities taking place on the beach.

Sri Lanka in January

Weather

January is a warm and humid month in Sri Lanka. The average temperature is around 28°C (82°F) with highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F). The humidity is generally high, and rainfall is common.

Events

• The Pongal Festival is celebrated in Sri Lanka in January. It is a four-day festival that celebrates the harvest season.
• The Esala Perahera Festival is an annual Buddhist festival that takes place in Kandy in January. It is a ten-day event that includes processions with decorated elephants and traditional dancers.
• The Galle Literary Festival is a four-day event that takes place in Galle in January. It is a celebration of literature, art, and culture.
• The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is celebrated in Sri Lanka in April. It is a national holiday that marks the start of the traditional New Year.
• The Negombo Fishing Festival is a two-day event that takes place in Negombo in January. It is a celebration of traditional fishing methods and includes traditional music and dance performances.

Sri Lanka in March

Weather

March is the start of the hot season in Sri Lanka. Temperatures range from an average low of 25°C (77°F) to an average high of 33°C (91°F). The humidity is high and the chances of rain are low.

Events

• The Esala Perahera, a 10-day festival of parades and processions, is held in Kandy in late July or early August. It is one of the most important and spectacular events in Sri Lanka.
• The Galle Literary Festival is held in the coastal city of Galle every year in late February or early March. It is a celebration of books, writers, and culture.
• The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is celebrated in Sri Lanka in mid-April. It is a public holiday and is celebrated with traditional rituals, feasts, and games.
• The National Festival of Kite Flying is held in Colombo every year in March. The festival is a celebration of the traditional art of kite flying and is attended by kite enthusiasts from around the world.
• The Sri Lankan International Film Festival is held in Colombo every year in March. The festival showcases the best of Sri Lankan cinema and attracts filmmakers from around the world.

Sri Lanka in April

Weather

April in Sri Lanka is typically hot and humid. The average temperature is around 30°C (86°F) with highs of up to 33°C (91°F). The coastal areas are usually more humid than the hill country. Rainfall is common, with most of the country receiving between 200-400mm (8-16 inches) of rain during the month.

Events

• The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is celebrated on April 13th and 14th. This is a national holiday in Sri Lanka and is celebrated with traditional ceremonies, games, and feasts.
• The Vesak festival is celebrated in late April or early May. This is a Buddhist holiday that celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. It is celebrated with colorful lanterns, decorations, and processions.
• The Galle Literary Festival is held in Galle in late April. This is a four-day event that features authors, speakers, and workshops.
• The Kandy Esala Perahera is held in Kandy in late July or early August. This is a 10-day festival that features traditional dances, music, and colorful processions.
• The Colombo International Book Fair is held in Colombo in April. This is a four-day event that features books, authors, and workshops.

Sri Lanka in May

Weather

May is the start of the dry season in Sri Lanka, with temperatures ranging from 24-31°C (75-88°F). The days are mostly sunny with occasional showers.

Events

• Vesak Poya: Vesak Poya is the most important religious event in Sri Lanka, celebrated on the full moon of May. It marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha.
• International Labour Day: This holiday is celebrated on May 1st to recognize the achievements of workers.
• Avurudu: Avurudu is a Sinhalese New Year festival celebrated in April or May. It is a time for family reunions and traditional games.
• World Thalassemia Day: This day is celebrated on May 8th to raise awareness about thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder.
• World Migratory Bird Day: This day is celebrated on the second Saturday of May to raise awareness about the importance of migratory birds.

Sri Lanka in June

Weather

June is the start of the monsoon season in Sri Lanka. The average temperature is around 27°C (81°F) and the humidity is high. Rainfall is common throughout the month, with an average of around 200mm (7.9 inches).

Events

• Vesak Poya Day: This is a national holiday in Sri Lanka celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Vesak. It is a day of religious observance and commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of the Buddha.
• Poson Poya Day: This is a national holiday in Sri Lanka celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Poson. It is a day of religious observance and commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
• International Yoga Day: This is an international event celebrated annually on June 21st. It is a day to promote physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing through the practice of yoga.
• Galle Literary Festival: This is an annual literary festival held in the city of Galle. It is a four-day event that brings together writers, poets, and thinkers from around the world to discuss literature, art, and culture.
• World Oceans Day: This is an international event celebrated annually on June 8th. It is a day to raise awareness of the importance of oceans and to promote conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.

Sri Lanka in July

Weather

July is the start of the wet season in Sri Lanka. Temperatures are generally warm, averaging around 28°C (82°F). The north and east of the country experience the most rain, with the south and west of the country experiencing slightly less.

Events

• The Esala Perahera is an annual Buddhist festival that takes place in July in Kandy. It is one of the most important religious events in Sri Lanka. During the festival, a procession of elephants, dancers and drummers parade through the streets of Kandy.
• The Galle Literary Festival is a four-day event that takes place in Galle in July. It features a range of speakers, including novelists, poets, and historians.
• The Kandy Cultural Show is a traditional dance and music performance that takes place in July in Kandy. It is a great way to experience the culture of Sri Lanka.
• The Negombo Fishing Festival takes place in July in Negombo. It is a celebration of the fishing industry in Sri Lanka, and features a range of activities, including boat races, fishing competitions, and traditional dances.
• The Colombo International Book Fair is an annual event that takes place in July in Colombo. It is a great opportunity to explore the literary culture of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka in August

Weather

August in Sri Lanka is typically hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-90s Fahrenheit. The monsoon season is in full swing during August, so expect plenty of rain and thunderstorms.

Events

• The August Kandy Esala Perahera is a spectacular 10-day Buddhist festival that takes place in Kandy. It is a vibrant procession of dancers, drummers, and elephants, and is one of the most important religious events in Sri Lanka.
• The Sri Lanka National Independence Day is celebrated on August 4th. It marks the day Sri Lanka gained independence from British rule in 1948.
• The Kataragama Festival is a two-week Hindu and Buddhist festival that takes place in the town of Kataragama. It is a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and religious ceremonies.
• The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is celebrated in Sri Lanka on April 14th. It is a joyous celebration of the start of the new year, and is marked with traditional food, music, and dance.
• The Galle Literary Festival is a four-day literary festival that takes place in Galle. It is a celebration of literature, music, and art, and features readings, workshops, and performances from local and international authors.

Sri Lanka in September

Weather

September is the beginning of the dry season in Sri Lanka. Temperatures are warm and humid, ranging from an average low of 24°C (75°F) to an average high of 32°C (90°F). Rainfall is significantly reduced compared to the wet season, with an average of about 20mm of rain per month.

Events

• The annual Esala Perahera Festival takes place in Kandy in September. This is a Buddhist festival that includes a procession of elephants, dancers, and drummers.
• The Colombo International Book Fair is held in September. This is an annual event that showcases books from various publishers, as well as other literary events.
• The Sri Lanka International Trade Fair is held in Colombo in September. This is a major event that showcases products from various countries and includes a variety of activities such as seminars and workshops.
• The Galle Literary Festival is held in Galle in September. This is a major event that features writers, poets, and other literary figures from around the world.
• The Sri Lanka National Day is celebrated on September 4th. This is a national holiday that commemorates the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule in 1948.

Sri Lanka in October

Weather

October is the start of the dry season in Sri Lanka, and temperatures range from the mid-20s to the mid-30s Celsius (77-95 Fahrenheit). The humidity is lower than in the wet season, and there is less rain.

Events

• The Esala Perahera Festival is a 10-day event that takes place in Kandy in late July or early August. It is a Buddhist religious celebration that includes a procession of elephants and traditional dancers.
• The Navam Full Moon Poya Day is a public holiday that celebrates the Buddha’s first sermon. It is celebrated in October and includes religious ceremonies and traditional dances.
• The Galle Literary Festival takes place in Galle in October. It is a celebration of Sri Lankan literature and culture, and includes authors, poets, and musicians from around the world.
• The Sri Lanka International Film Festival is held in October in Colombo. It is a celebration of Sri Lankan and international cinema, and includes screenings, workshops, and networking events.
• The Kandy Perahera Festival is a 10-day event that takes place in Kandy in October. It is a Buddhist religious celebration that includes a procession of elephants and traditional dancers.

Sri Lanka in November

Weather

November is the start of the dry season in Sri Lanka, with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C. Rainfall is minimal and humidity is low, making it a great time to explore the country.

Events

• The National Day of Sri Lanka is celebrated on November 4th. This day commemorates the country’s independence from British rule in 1948.
• The Kataragama Festival is held in the month of November and is one of the most important religious festivals in Sri Lanka. It is celebrated in honor of the Hindu god Skanda, and is attended by thousands of devotees.
• The Esala Perahera is a Buddhist festival that takes place in the month of November. It is a grand procession of elephants, drummers, dancers and other performers, and is held in the city of Kandy.
• The Galle Literary Festival is held in the city of Galle in November. This event attracts authors, poets, and other literary figures from around the world, and offers a unique opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s literary culture.
• The Negombo Fish Festival is held in November each year. This event celebrates the fishing industry in Negombo, and includes a variety of activities such as boat races, fishing competitions, and traditional dances.

Sri Lanka in December

Weather

December is the beginning of the dry season in Sri Lanka, and temperatures are warm and pleasant. The average temperature is around 27°C (80°F). The southwest monsoon has ended and the northeast monsoon is still a few weeks away, so there is usually no rain during this month.

Events

• The annual Esala Perahera Festival takes place in Kandy in December. This is a Buddhist festival that includes a procession of elephants, dancers, and musicians.
• The Adam’s Peak pilgrimage season begins in December. Thousands of pilgrims climb the mountain to see the footprint of Lord Buddha.
• The Galle Literary Festival is held in December in Galle, Sri Lanka. This is a four-day event that features panel discussions, book readings, and workshops.
• The Negombo Beach Festival is held in December in Negombo. This is a three-day event that includes music, dancing, and fireworks.
• The annual Colombo International Book Fair is held in December in Colombo. This is a four-day event that includes book stalls, book signings, and seminars.