The Weather in
Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is located very close to the Equator and is affected by not one, but two monsoons in different areas of the country, which means rainfall can be a big factor in deciding the best time to visit Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s dry season, December to March, coincides with the peak season for tourism, so beaches and resorts can be very busy and travel can be more expensive.

The ‘Yala’ monsoon season from April/May to September, hits the south and west coasts as well as the hill country, with the wettest period happening between April and June.

The ‘Maha’ monsoon season in the northeast of Sri Lanka occurs between November to March, wettest from November to December.

Fortunately, during the monsoon it rarely rains for the whole day and the advantage to travelling at this time of year is that popular sites are much quieter and travel may be cheaper.

Feb - May

Poya holidays are on the day of each full moon and are Buddhist days of worship, so consequently alcohol isn’t available for purchase on these days. There are several important poya days in the calendar. Duruthu Poya happens on the first full moon of the year. Later, Navam Poya in February commemorates the Buddha announcing his death at age 80 and is one of the island's biggest celebrations with processions of elephants in the street. In May, Vesak Poya or ‘Festival of Lights’ is the most important poya of the year celebrating Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death. Houses, buses and trucks are decorated with white paper lanterns and lights, and free food is handed out from streetside booths. The sale of alcohol, meat and fish in public restaurants is banned over the six days around this festival.

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Mar - Apr

In March and April the Easter period is part of the peak travel season to Sri Lanka - Good Friday is a public holiday.

April

Sinhalese and Tamil New Year, 13-14 April is the the most important cultural festival in the country symbolising ethnic and religious harmony in the country. It coincides with the end of the harvest and is marked with games, the casting of horoscopes and rituals, and traditional dishes such as kokis.

June

In June, the Maha Shivarathri festival is celebrated in Hindu Shiva festivals around the island. At dawn, devotees take a ritual bath to purify themselves, then meditate and fast all day. Statues dedicated to Shiva may be bathed in milk and honey and decorated in red vermillion to represent purification of the soul. Some temples perform music and dances as part of the celebration.

June

Also in June, Muslims of Sri Lanka celebrate Id-Ul-Fitr (Ramadan Festival Day), celebrating the end of their month-long, dawn-to-sunset fast. The date varies year by year.

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Jul/Aug

In July/August, a mini peak season occurs in Sri Lanka, when festivals and pageants are held through the country. A 10 day-long festival known as Esala Perhera is held in Kandy, celebrating the arrival of the Sacred Tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Jugglers, dancers and fire breathers process along the streets headed by elaborately decorated elephants, and it is a huge drawcard for local and international tourists. The date for the festival varies year by year.

Oct or Nov

Deepavali, also known as Divali or the ‘Festival of Lights’ is the most important festival for Hindus in Sri Lanka and around the world. It’s typically celebrated with gift giving, fireworks and by cleaning and decorating the home. Celebrations are held over five days in October or November each year, including a one-day public holiday.

December

Christmas Day is a public holiday in Sri Lanka, where Christians celebrate the birth of Christ on 25 December each year.