Climate & Weather
| | Day time maximum temperature | Night time minimum temperature | Average water temperature | Average rainfall | Average amount of sun hours |
| January | 30°C | 22°C | 28°C | 72mm | 8h |
| February | 32°C | 22°C | 29°C | 128mm | 8h |
| March | 35°C | 23°C | 29°C | 184mm | 8h |
| April | 34°C | 24°C | 30°C | 121mm | 7h |
| May | 32°C | 25°C | 30°C | 365mm | 5h |
| June | 33°C | 25°C | 27°C | 414mm | 4h |
| July | 33°C | 30°C | 26°C | 72mm | 3h |
| August | 34°C | 30°C | 26°C | 128mm | 5h |
| September | 34°C | 30°C | 27°C | 184mm | 6h |
| October | 32°C | 30°C | 28°C | 121mm | 5h |
| November | 30°C | 30°C | 29°C | 365mm | 5h |
| December | 30°C | 30°C | 29°C | 414mm | 6h |
Best time to visit Sri Lanka
The best time to visit Sri Lanka varies depending on the region you plan to explore, as the island experiences two distinct monsoon seasons. Here's a breakdown of each month's weather and highlights:
Sri Lanka in January
Warm and dry weather prevails in central, western, and southern Sri Lanka, making it ideal for exploring the Cultural Triangle and coastal areas like Negombo, Bentota, or Tangalle.
Sri Lanka in February
Pleasant and sunny days continue in the west, south, and central regions, with minimal rainfall. The east coast may still experience some rain, but it becomes less intense.
Sri Lanka in March
Considered one of the best months to visit Sri Lanka, as the north-east monsoon winds down. Expect sunny days and rising temperatures across the island.
Sri Lanka in April
Warm and sunny weather persists, particularly in the west and south. It's the tail end of the dry season, making it perfect for visiting the Hill Country and cultural sites like Kandy and Nuwara Eliya.
Sri Lanka in May
Focus shifts to the east coast, where consistent sunshine and rising temperatures characterize the weather. The south-west monsoon begins, bringing short but intense rain showers to the south, west, and central regions.
Sri Lanka in June
The south-west monsoon continues, affecting the southern and western regions with increased rainfall. Meanwhile, the east coast enjoys warm and sunny days, ideal for beach activities.
Sri Lanka in July
Similar to June, with the monsoon impacting the south and west, while the east coast remains sunny. Religious festivals like Vel and Esala Perahera are celebrated during this time.
Sri Lanka in August
Rainfall decreases in the south and west, making it an excellent choice for a summer holiday. The east coast climate remains pleasant, and festivals like Esala Perahera may occur.
Sri Lanka in September
Rainfall increases again, especially in the southern and western regions, while the east coast experiences its last days of good weather. Whale-watching off the east coast is recommended.
Sri Lanka in October
Changeable weather with increased rainfall across the island. The south-west monsoon begins to fade, while the north-east monsoon approaches the north and east regions.
Sri Lanka in November
Sunshine increases in the south and west, although some rainfall persists. The Hill Country and Cultural Triangle experience high rainfall levels. The Hindu festival of Deepavali is celebrated.
Sri Lanka in December
The high season begins for beach resorts in the south and west, while rainfall decreases in the Hill Country and Cultural Triangle. Whale-watching season kicks off on the south coast, but intense rainfall continues in the north and east due to the north-east monsoon.
