Sri Lanka, located near the equator, enjoys warm temperatures yearround. Its weather is shaped by a dual monsoon system and the central highlands, creating varied conditions across the island.
This means that even during a rainy season on one side, the opposite side is often dry — making Sri Lanka a year-round travel destination. Coastal and southwestern regions tend to be more humid, while the hill country remains cooler.
Late May to September, with the heaviest rainfall in June–July.
Afternoon or evening downpours are typical, often heavy but brief. Seas along the southwest coast can be rough, so swimming may be unsafe.
West & South Coast: Colombo, Galle, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, Unawatuna, Tangalle, Ahangama, Kalutara
Central Highlands: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Hatton, Haputale, Bandarawela, Maskeliya
Coast: 25–30°C
Hill Country: 16–20°C
October to February, with peak rainfall in November–January.
Can bring prolonged heavy rain, thunderstorms, and localized flooding. Tropical depressions from the Bay of Bengal may occasionally influence the weather, though full cyclones are rare.
East Coast: Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Arugam Bay, Passikudah, Nilaveli, Kalmunai
Northern Region: Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Mannar, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi
Cultural Triangle: Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Mihintale
East Coast: 28–34°C, slightly cooler during monsoon showers but still warm.
First Inter-Monsoon: March–April
Second Inter-Monsoon: October–November
Unpredictable thunderstorms and isolated heavy showers, usually in afternoons or evenings. Humidity is high, particularly in October–November.
Ideal for those seeking fewer crowds and lower prices. The whole island is accessible, though rain is possible.
| Region | Best Time to Visit | Monsoon Season | Key Cities & Towns | Average Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South & West Coasts | Dec–Apr | May–Sept | Colombo, Galle, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, Unawatuna, Tangalle, Ahangama, Kalutara | 25–30°C |
| East Coast | May–Sept | Oct–Feb | Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Arugam Bay, Passikudah, Nilaveli, Kalmunai | 28–34°C |
| Northern Region | Nov–Apr (drier) | Oct–Feb | Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Mannar, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi | 28–34°C |
| Central Highlands | Dec–Mar (drier) | Rain throughout year, influenced by both monsoons | Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Ella, Hatton | 18–24°C |
| Cultural Triangle | Apr or May–Sept | Heaviest rain in Oct–Nov | Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Mihintale | Warm & sunny, 30+°C |