What are the ideal months to plan a trip to Sri Lanka?
- Sri Lanka is a round-the-year tourist destination.
- Peak tourist reason is from December to March.
- South-west beaches have the best time during this period.
- Least popular season is May – June.
- July – September is for most popular Surfing destinations in north east coast.
- Yala national park is generally closed from September till mid-October.
The Pearl in the Indian Ocean is full of glorious lands and you never get tired admiring the beauty of it. The amazing fact is when it is the off season for one part of the Island it is the best time for the other side. For instance, when it is the rainy season in southern beaches, it is a lovely time for the eastern coast.
You can plan your trip to Sri Lanka any part of the year, although December to March is the favorite time period for most of the tourists. Statistics also prove that the tourist arrival has peaked during the best times in Sri Lanka.
Tourist arrival pattern – based on the weather pattern in Sri Lanka
December to March has been the peak tourist period during the last 2 years in Sri Lanka. Weather during this time is really good in most of the major tourist attractions. Especially, most popular beaches in southern part of the Island have their best weather with plenty of sunshine combined with a mild temperature.
Best things to do in each month, in Sri Lanka
All visitors would love to know what are the best things to do during the period that they visit Sri Lanka. Or on the other hand, to know what is the best period of the year to visit Sri Lanka and to avoid the rainy season, in order make their trip really memorable.
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December – March |
This is the peak tourist season in Sri Lanka and the best time to visit south-west beaches (Mirissa, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Bentota), hill country, cultural triangle, wild life parks and whale watching. |
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April |
This is normally the warmest time in the Island. You can spend these sunny days in south-west beaches relaxing under the clear skies. Sri Lankan New Year festival is in mid-April and you will have lots of traditional events and activities to take part. |
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May – June |
South-west monsoon starts during this period. This affects the most popular beach destinations in south-west coast, making it the least popular tourist season. |
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July – September |
Surfing destinations Arugam Bay and Pasikuda reach the peak in July – August, while the south-west monsoon continues and the south-west sea remains rough. |
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October – November |
Inter monsoon starts and generally heavy rains can be experienced especially during the afternoon and evening. Towards the second half of November, weather calms down generally and the main tourist season begins. |
Things to do during the Best times in Sri Lanka
Certain activities you can only do in Sri Lanka. Eager to know the best time for your favorite?
| Activity | Place | Season (or the best time) |
| Beaches | Southern beaches like Mirissa, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna | November to April |
| Eastern beaches like Arugam Bay, Pasikuda | April to October | |
| Visit National Parks | Yala | February to August Main dry season spreads from May/June to October When the water levels of the park are quite low, bringing animals into the open. So the prime time is from June to end of August.Generally the park is closed from the beginning of September to mid-October(very dry) |
| Wilpattu | February and October | |
| Udawalawa | Throughout the year Migrant birds can be seen in November to March. October to April can be the best time of year to view Elephants and migratory birds. |
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| Whale and Dolphin Watching | Kalpitiya | November to December and March to April |
| Mirissa | October to April | |
| Trincomalee | Season is from March to September.The best months are March to May and August to September | |
| Surfing | Eastern surf destinations like Arugam Bay | April and end October. Peak is July-August |
| Southern surf destinations like Weligama, Mirissa, Unawatuna | November to April | |
| Climb Adam’s Peak | Hatton | December to April (It is risky to climb the peak during the off season) |
| Esala Perahera | Kandy | Early August |
The lively atmosphere and natural air keeps you always energetic. Visit Sri Lanka and feel the energy within you!
