Sri Lanka experiences pleasant weather throughout the year, with high temperatures averaging between 25°C and 32°C.
Influenced by its position close to the Equator, the island country is subject to a tropical climate, characterized by two seasons.
The rainy season, called monsoon, extends from October to January on the east coast, and from May to October for the west coast.
The dry season lasts from May to September on the east coast, and from November to March on the west of the island.
Generally speaking, it is recommended to visit Sri Lanka during the dry period, in order to avoid rainfall.
For seaside pleasures, the sea remains warm all year round with a temperature of around 28°C.
To discover
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When is the best time to go to Colombo and Western Sri Lanka?
Classified as a biosphere reserve and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve can be visited with a guide.
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Western Sri Lanka can be visited during the dry season, from December when temperatures average 27°C, until March when the thermometer rises to 30°C.
The capital, Colombo is a lively city with a remarkable cultural heritage.
Stroll through the Pettah district with its floating market, discover Sri Lankan culture at the National Museum and don't miss the temples of Gangaramaya and Seema Malaka.
You can also breathe deeply at the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, classified as a biosphere reserve and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
About 40 km from the capital, Negombo is a colorful town famous for its fish markets and long beach.
If you want to be amazed, go to Bentota, the first seaside resort in the country.
This small town offers an idyllic setting with its sublime beach of fine sand, lined with coconut palms.
Further south, Hikkaduwa offers equally sublime beaches, where you can swim with turtles as soon as the sun rises.
In the very south of the country, Galle is a city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its vestiges of the colonial era.
After visiting these marvels, you can enjoy the beaches of Pitiwella and Unawatuna, bathed in 30°C throughout the year, even if the period between January and April is to be preferred.
Not far away, Mirissa is a charming town where you can observe dolphins and whales from November to March.
When to go to Kandy and the central mountains of Sri Lanka?
In central Sri Lanka, Kandy is home to the famous Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.
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The mountains of Sri Lanka are discovered between December and April.
Thanks to the altitudes, this region is the least hot in the country, with temperatures varying on average between 18°C and 22°C degrees.
On the other hand, at night, they drop by around ten degrees.
Note that from May to November, precipitation is frequent, to the point that it can regularly rain from morning to evening from July to September.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kandy is home to the Temple of the Buddha's Tooth, which is a must, along with the Royal Botanical Garden.
Stroll through the market halls and watch a typical dance performance.
The city's artificial lake can be discovered on a hike or on a boat trip.
Not far from there, visit the picturesque villages of Haputale, Ella and Dimbula,
nestled at the foot of tea plantations that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Along with Kandy, the cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa belong to the Cultural Triangle.
You will discover vestiges of the past, including temples, Buddha statues and monasteries.
Do not miss the rock of Sigiriya, known as “lion rock”, an emblematic monument of the country.
Nuwara Eliya, one of the most beautiful areas in the country, is best visited between January and May.
The month of April is particularly pleasant with a temperature of 23°C, and also because it is there that the Tamil and Sinhalese New Year takes place.
The city organizes for the occasion a festival, with various animations.
Adventurers can attempt the ascent of Adam's Peak between December and April.
As a reward at the top, they will discover a breathtaking panorama.
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When is the best time to go to Trincomalee and Eastern Sri Lanka?
By going to Arugam Bay, you can enjoy the long sandy beaches but also try your hand at surfing.
Loic Bourgeois
Prefer the dry season to discover the east of Sri Lanka, from May to September.
The climate is dry and hot, with high temperatures, which average between 30°C and 28°C.
The east coast, very sunny, will delight those who want to enjoy seaside pleasures.
The town of Trincomalee is a paradise for diving enthusiasts, who can admire sharks at Pigeon Island National Park.
The towns of Nilaveli or Uppuveli offer magnificent beaches, with a water temperature of around 30°C.
In addition to its fort and its lighthouse, Batticaloa is famous for its large lagoon, where you can swim but also watch the fishermen.
Nearby, Arugam Bay is considered a surfer's paradise.
Further south, Yala National Park is a natural wonder of nearly 1,000 km², where you can admire elephants, wild buffaloes and many leopards.
