Sri Lanka: Best time to go

Sri Lanka is a year-round holiday destination. With a similar tropical climate to South India, the heat of the lowlands is modified by coastal breezes and the hill country can be much cooler due to its altitude, but generally, the temperature variance is not so vast throughout the year. However, the country’s two monsoon seasons can be complicated and affect different regions at different times of year - a particularly important aspect to note when scheduling in some down time on one of Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches.

December to April is considered peak season for most destinations in Asia, and Sri Lanka is no exception. Floating in the Indian Ocean, when the northeast monsoon hits at this time of year, the best weather can be found on the southern coast, with temperatures hitting highs of 30°C, the palm framed beaches of Weligama and Tangalle make for a golden beach escape and a surfer’s haven. The calm and stable weather of the south coast also means that whale spotting in Mirissa is greater than any other time of year. Heading into the colonial town of Galle, the mornings are at a comfortable temperature to explore this historic town by foot, finishing the day watching the glorious sunset over the western shores.

Further along the west coast towards the city of Colombo, the sleepy resort destination of Bentota and seaside town of Negombo, the average temperature from December to April rarely drops below 30°C. Come May though, the humidity can reach up to 90% as the southwest monsoon sets in across the south west until September. This is when Sri Lanka’s east coast comes into a life of its own, and from April to September there is a positive movement of locals and returning holidaymakers enjoying some of Sri Lanka’s less developed coastal towns, such as Trincomalee and Arugam Bay. With an array of luxury hotels opening up, pristine stretches of beach and temperatures between 25-35°C, the east coast is becoming more popular to visit before its own monsoon whistles in from October to January.

When one coast is experiencing rainfall and the other quite the opposite, pockets of the island’s Tea Country can be influenced by both monsoons. Southern hillside towns such as Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Haputale and Hatton sit up to approximately 2,000 metres above sea level. For much of the year this region is cooler with lows of 17°C and reduced humidity, it’s the perfect weather to take on Adam’s Peak and other challenging hikes.

Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle (Dambulla, Anuradhapura and Sigiriya) is located in the dry zone. Apart from some rainfall in November and December, and strong heat during June and July, conditions remain placid throughout the rest of the year, so you can always fit in some UNESCO visits during your bespoke tour.

N.B. All information given here is to the best of our knowledge, however, changes do occur, sometimes at short notice. Ampersand cannot be held liable for such happenings. Of course, if you have any tips that you feel would benefit other travellers, please pass them onto us and we will add them.