Weather in Sri Lanka – Plan Your Journey with Confidence
From golden beaches to misty hills, here’s everything you need to know about Sri Lanka’s tropical climate.
The Weather in Sri Lanka is a fascinating tapestry of diversity, mirroring its landscapes—sunny beaches, misty mountains, and warm cultural heartlands. With the right timing, you can chase the sun, dodge the monsoons, and make the most of every destination, each offering a unique and captivating experience.
Quick Weather Overview
Average annual temperature in Sri Lanka (Photo: Research by Randika K. Makumbura)
Average annual rainfall in Sri Lanka (Photo: Research by Randika K. Makumbura)
The weather in Sri Lanka is shaped by two monsoon seasons. The Southwest Monsoon (May–September) brings rain to the west and south coasts, while the Northeast Monsoon (December–February) refreshes the east and north. This split means you can find sunshine somewhere on the island all year round. Visit the south and west coasts in Sri Lanka between December and March for perfect beach days, or head to the east coast from May to September when the seas are calm and skies are clear. The central Hill Country remains cooler year-round, making it an ideal destination for hikes and visits to tea plantations.
Weather by Destinations
Anuradhapura
Average temperature range
- Daytime highs: ~30–34 °C through the year (e.g., January 29.6 °C, March – April 34.3 °C).
- Nighttime lows: ~20–26 °C (e.g., January 20.5 °C, May – August ~25–25.4 °C).
Rainfall patterns
- Two peaks: a main wet season October – November (e.g., October ~205 mm, November ~162 mm) and a smaller peak in April (~104 mm).
- Driest stretch: June – August (e.g., June ~20 mm, July ~25 mm).
- It matches Dry-Zone seasonality, characterised by a prominent late-year peak with a minor inter-monsoon bump around April.
Best months to visit
- For reliably dry sightseeing, the best months are June to September (the dry season) and January to March, which are generally favourable.
Arugam Bay
Average temperature range
- Daytime highs: ~28–33 °C (warmest ~33 °C in June; coolest highs ~27–28 °C in January – February).
- Nighttime lows: ~24–26 °C year-round.
Rainfall patterns
- Main wet season: October – January, peaking November – December (e.g., December ~270–310 mm, November ~220–280 mm).
- Driest stretch: May – September, especially June (~30–40 mm).
- Annual total around 1,300–1,360 mm.
Best months to visit (East Coast)
- May – September → sunniest, driest conditions; calm seas and peak surf season at Arugam Bay.
Colombo
Average temperature range
- Daytime highs: ~30–32 °C year-round
- Nighttime lows: ~22–25 °C
- Annual mean: ~26.5 °C.
Rainfall patterns
- Two wet peaks: May – June (Southwest monsoon) and October – November (inter-monsoon).
- Driest month: typically February (~70–75 mm).
- Example monthly totals: May ~382 mm, October ~371 mm, November ~306 mm, February ~74 mm. Expect showers at any time, but January to March are generally drier on the west coast.
Best months to visit (Colombo and the west coast)
- December – March is the most reliable window for dry, sunny weather and calmer seas (peak season).
Ella
Average temperature range
- Highs: ~24–28 °C (hottest around May ~27–28 °C)
- Lows: ~15–18 °C (coolest nights in January ~15 °C)
- Mountain climate: warm days, cool evenings.
Rainfall patterns
- Wettest: October – December, peak November ~192 mm
- Secondary bump: April (~90 mm)
- Driest: June – August (~37–47 mm; July driest)
- Overall, rain is possible year-round, but it is most frequent in late in the year.
Best months to visit
- January – March and June – September → drier windows ideal for hikes and views in Ella (note: July can be cloudier despite low rain). It aligns with Hill Country seasonality (late-year Northeast monsoon rains; April inter-monsoon).
Galle
Average temperature range
- Highs: ~29–31 °C year-round
- Lows: ~22–25 °C (nights stay warm)
- Overall, Galle typically varies from 24 °C to 31 °C across the year.
Rainfall patterns
- Two wet peaks: around May (Southwest monsoon) and October – November (inter-monsoon).
- Example monthly totals (mm): May ~304 mm, October ~340 mm, November ~296 mm; January ~94 mm, February ~101 mm.
Best months to visit
- December – March (drier, sunnier, calmer seas on the south/west coasts).
Hikkaduwa
Average temperature range
- Highs: ~30–31 °C most of the year (hottest days ~31–32 °C around April).
- Lows: ~24–26 °C year-round.
- Mean annual temperature ~26.3 °C.
Rainfall patterns
- Two wet peaks: May – June (Southwest monsoon) and October –November (inter-monsoon), with November the wettest month.
- Driest month: February.
- (Example from long-term normals: November ~208 mm; February ~46 mm).
Best months to visit
- Mid-December to March for the most settled, sunny beach weather on the south-west coast (peak around January – February).
Jaffna
Average temperature range
- Highs: ~28–34 °C across the year (coolest ~28 °C in January/December; hottest ~33–34 °C in April – June).
- Lows: ~23–29 °C (warm nights year-round).
Rainfall patterns
- Main wet season: October – December under the Northeast Monsoon, typically peaking in November; January eases off.
- Driest stretch: June – August (very low monthly totals), with generally light falls February – March; small bumps in April – May and September.
Best months to visit
- For reliably dry, sunny conditions: January – March (post-monsoon) and June – September (long dry season in the north). Travel operators also steer summer visitors to the north and east for drier weather.
Kalpitiya
Average temperature range
- Highs: ~29–32 °C year-round (warmest around April ~31.9 °C).
- Lows: ~23–27 °C (coolest ~22.8 °C in January).
Rainfall patterns
- Main wet season: October – December, peaking around October – November (~190–200 mm).
- Secondary bump: April – May (~85–90 mm).
- Driest stretch: June – August (~18–50 mm) and also January – February (~31 mm).
Best months to visit
- General beach/sightseeing: December – March (drier, sunnier on the northwest coast).
- Kitesurfing: Mid-May–September (strong Southwest monsoon winds) and mid-December–March (Northeast monsoon “winter” season).
Kandy
Average temperature range
- Highs: ~27–32 °C through the year (hottest April ~31–32 °C).
- Lows: ~18–22 °C (coolest nights in January ~18–19 °C).
Rainfall patterns
- Two wetter periods:
- April – May (inter-monsoon/early Southwest influence).
- October – November (peak) into December (Northeast monsoon; November is usually the wettest).
- Drier window: January – March; July is also relatively dry compared to October – November.
- Typical totals vary by dataset, but November is the peak (≈ 200–325 mm), while February/July are among the lightest months.
Best months to visit
- From mid-December to March, the most reliable time for drier, clearer weather in Kandy and the hill interior is typically observed. Some guides also highlight February – March as the sweet spot.
Mirissa
Average temperature range
- Highs: ~29–31 °C year-round (avg monthly max ~29.4–31.1 °C)
- Lows: ~24–26 °C (avg monthly min ~24.4–26.1 °C)
Rainfall patterns
- Wettest: October – November (e.g., November ~283 mm), with a secondary peak May – June (~210–250 mm).
- Driest: February (~76 mm). Rain is possible any month, but is notably lower from December to March.
Best months to visit (South Coast)
- Mid-December to March is the most reliably dry/sunny window for beaches around Mirissa; local datasets also favour January – March as the driest stretch.
Negombo
Average temperature range
- Highs: ~30–32 °C year-round
- Lows: ~24–26 °C
- Annual mean: ~26.6 °C (nearby Katunayake station).
Rainfall patterns
- Two wet peaks: May – June (Southwest monsoon influence) and October – November (inter-monsoon), with November the wettest month.
- Driest month: typically February.
- (Normals for Negombo/Katunayake: November ~210–211 mm; February ~41 mm).
Best months to visit (West Coast)
- Mid-December to March is the most reliable window for drier, sunnier beach weather around Negombo. Several travel/climate guides highlight January – March (and often December – April) as the sweet spot.
Nuwara Eliya
Average temperature range
- Highs: ~19–23 °C (avg max peaks ~22.8 °C in April)
- Lows: ~9–12 °C (coolest nights ~9.4 °C in January)
- Overall year-round range is roughly 8–22 °C.
Rainfall patterns
- Wettest phase: October – December, with November typically the peak (≈ 189 mm).
- Secondary bump: April – May (≈ 100 mm/month).
- Relatively drier windows: January – March and July – August (often July is the driest, ~51 mm).
Best months to visit
- January – April for the most reliable dry, clear conditions (especially February – March).
- June – September can also work for hiking—generally less rain but cloudier—while October – December is the wettest.
Polonnaruwa
Average temperature range
- Highs: ~31–35 °C through the year (hottest April – June; e.g., April avg high 34.9 °C).
- Lows: ~23–26 °C (warm nights year-round).
- Typical annual range is about 22–35 °C.
Rainfall patterns
- Main wet season: October – December (Northeast Monsoon), wettest November – December — ~340 mm each month; October ~225 mm.
- Secondary bump: around April – May (inter-monsoon).
- Driest stretch: June – August — e.g., June ~9 mm, July ~55 mm, August ~70 mm.
Best months to visit
- January – March (drier start to the year, ideal for sightseeing) and June – September (a long, dry season in the Dry Zone; expect high temperatures).
Ratnapura
Average temperature range
- Highs: ~28–31 °C through the year (warmest around March – April ≈ 30–31 °C).
- Lows: ~20–23 °C (nights stay humid and mild).
Rainfall patterns
- Extremely wet “Wet-Zone” climate with ~3,900–4,400 mm of rain annually (varies by dataset).
- Two prominent peaks: May – June (Southwest/Yala monsoon) and October – November (second inter-monsoon/Northeast onset). Long-term station normals show very high monthly totals in May (~499 mm), June (~472 mm), and October (~478 mm)/November (~434 mm); the relative minima are January – March (≈ 130–200 mm/month).
Best months to visit
- January – March are the relatively drier months for sightseeing and travel days; after that, frequent heavy showers return with the Southwest monsoon.
Sigiriya
Average temperature range
- Highs: ~28–34 °C (hottest April ~34 °C; coolest December ~28 °C)
- Lows: ~21–24 °C year-round.
Rainfall patterns
- Main wet season: October – December, with a peak in November, at ~212 mm.
- Driest stretch: June – August (e.g., July ~31 mm).
- Secondary bump: around April (~92 mm). Monthly example (mm): January 93, February 56, March 53, April 92, May 78, June 33, July 31, August 37, September 64, October 163, November 212, December 172.
Best months to visit
- January – March (drier, clearer) and June – September (long dry spell; climb early to avoid heat). Travel guides concur: January to April is generally good; May to August marks the local dry season in the Cultural Triangle.
Tangalle
Average temperature range
- Highs: ~30–31 °C year-round (hottest May ~31 °C)
- Lows: ~24–26 °C (coolest nights December ~24 °C)
- Overall, Tangalle typically ranges from 24 to 32 °C throughout the year.
Rainfall patterns
- Wettest: October – November (peak November ~192 mm)
- Secondary bump: April – May (~106–111 mm/month)
- Driest months: February (~49 mm) and July (~49 mm)
- Monthly example (mm): January 71, February 49, March 61, April 106, May 111, June 67, July 49, August 60, September 91, October 154, November 192, December 127.
Best months to visit (South Coast)
- December – March for the most reliably dry, sunny beach weather; mid-December → mid-March (especially January – February). Regional guides also recommend visiting Sri Lanka’s south and west coasts from December to March.
Trincomalee
Average temperature range
- Highs: ~28–34 °C (hottest around May ~34 °C; coolest highs January ~28 °C).
- Lows: ~25–27 °C year-round (typical annual span 25–34 °C, rarely <23 °C or >36 °C).
Rainfall patterns
- Main wet season: October – January under the Northeast Monsoon (peak November; heavy in December too).
- Driest stretch: May – September, especially June ~20 mm (few rainy days).
- Annual total: ~1,300 mm.
Best months to visit (East Coast)
- May – September → sunniest, driest conditions with calmer seas for beaches/snorkelling/whale trips. Travel planners consistently steer East Coast trips to this window.
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a year-round destination due to the two monsoons that alternate across the island. That means there’s always a sunny side: when the southwest gets wet, the east opens up—and vice versa.
- January–March: Dry in most regions, making it great for beaches and cultural sites.
- April: Hot everywhere (inter-monsoon); plan early starts and shade breaks.
- May–September: Southwest monsoon—west/south coasts turn wetter; east coast is best.
- October–November: Island-wide inter-monsoon showers and thunderstorms.
- December: A drier, cooler feel on the west/south; peak season resumes.
Read more about the best time to visit Sri Lanka.
Travel Tips for Tourists
Sri Lanka is tropical year-round, but the two monsoons shape what you pack and what you do. Use these quick tips to stay comfy and make the most of each region.
What to Pack (by Season and Region)
All-year Essentials
- Light, breathable clothes (cotton or linen), a hat, and sunglasses
- High-SPF sunscreen, reusable water bottle, and mosquito repellent
- Quick-dry rain cover for daypack and travel umbrella
- Modest outfit for temples (shoulders and knees should be covered)
Southwest Monsoon Kit (May–September) – West and South Coasts
- Light raincoat/poncho, quick-dry footwear, and spare T-shirt
- Waterproof phone pouch; expect short, intense showers
- Beach note: seas can be rough—check flags before swimming
Northeast Monsoon Kit (October–January) – East and North Coasts
- Compact rain layer, dry bags for electronics
- Flip flops plus sturdy sandals for puddles
- Beach note: currents increase; plan morning swims/snorkels
Hill Country Add-ons (Kandy, Ella, Nuwara Eliya)
- Warm layer (fleece/sweater), light jacket, long pants
- Waterproof jacket; leech socks or salt in wetter months
- Closed shoes with grip; weather switches fast with altitude
Average rainfall in the Northeast Monsoon – December to February (Source: Department of Meteorology, Sri Lanka)
Average rainfall in the First Inter-Monsoon – March to April (Source: Department of Meteorology, Sri Lanka)
Average rainfall in the Southwest Monsoon – May to September (Source: Department of Meteorology, Sri Lanka)
Average rainfall in the Second Inter-Monsoon – October to November (Source: Department of Meteorology, Sri Lanka)
How the Weather in Sri Lanka Affects Activities
Beach Holidays
- West/South coasts (Colombo, Galle, Mirissa, Hikkaduwa, Negombo, Tangalle): Best December–March (calmer seas, more sun).
- East/North coasts (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay, Jaffna): Best May–September (drier, clearer water).
- Tips: Swim early for calmer conditions; reapply sunscreen frequently (UV levels are high even on cloudy days).
Hiking in the Hill Country
- The best times to visit are from January to March and from June to September.
- Start early for clear views; afternoon showers/fog are common.
- Pack layers—mornings/evenings can feel chilly; trails may be slippery after rain.
Surfing Season (East vs South Coast)
- East coast (Arugam Bay): May–September is the peak (dry, offshore winds, consistent swell).
- South/West coasts (Hikkaduwa, Weligama, Mirissa): December–March is the prime season.
- New to surfing? Try Weligama (south) in December–March or Peanut Farm (near A-Bay) in May–September; always check local conditions and flags.
Quick Reference (at a Glance)
- Best beach months West/South: December–March
- Best beach months East/North: May–September
- Best hiking months Hill Country: January–March, June–September
- Surfing: South/West December–March • East May–September
Monsoons vary year to year. Check a 3–5 day forecast and heed local safety flags/alerts.
Live Weather Map of Sri Lanka
Now that you know when and where the weather is favourable, choose a beach that matches your preferences. From palm-fringed bays to surf breaks, our Most Popular Beaches in Sri Lanka guide maps the best spots by vibe and season.
The Weather in Sri Lanka is a year-round puzzle with a simple key: two monsoons, one always-sunny coast. This guide makes planning easy—west & south shine from December to March, the east hits its stride from May to September, the Hill Country stays cooler for hikes, and the Cultural Triangle runs hot and mostly dry for much of the year. Each region offers a unique set of activities, from beach days to treks and surf sessions. Scan the city cards for current conditions, average temperatures, rainfall, and the best months, then use the live map to turn forecasts into a variety of exciting experiences.