IIt depends on which part of Sri Lanka you’re visiting, but generally speaking, the best time to travel is February and March, when the weather is nice and wildlife viewing is optimal, and there are fewer crowds around the country.
It’s a little complicated, the monsoons hit different parts of the country at different times. There are two monsoon seasons: May and June in southwestern and mountainous Sri Lanka, and October and November in the north and east. Don’t give up entirely on visiting during monsoons. Yes, you will definitely get rain, but it won’t last all day, Tropical storms can be spectacular events to witness. The tea plantations and rainforests are also at their lushest and there are fewer tourists, which means restaurants are well supplied and prices are lower.
Which months should be avoided?
If you want to escape the rain at all costs, avoid the country’s monsoon season. Most people’s itineraries focus on the southern half of the country, so this means staying away from that area during the southwest monsoon in May and June. There is also the inter-monsoon period between July and September, when the odd brief shower may occur across the country. Although it’s dry and warm in the south, December and January are very popular and there’s less chance of you having a beach or a wild jeep to yourself. If you don’t book in advance, beds may be hard to find, and many hotels will raise their prices accordingly.
Little Greenback Turtle (Alamy)
When is the best time for marine wildlife?
The best time to see whales and dolphins on the south coast is from December to April, when the waters are calmest. Ten species of cetaceans are found in the waters around Sri Lanka, including sperm whales, minke whales and humpback whales. To see blue whales, the largest creatures on Earth, you need to be here in February and March, when they come close to the coast during their annual migration. Green turtles are the most common of the five species of sea turtles in Sri Lanka. Hatching season runs from November to May, when thousands of baby turtles flap from their nests to the sea.
Asian elephants in Minneria (Alami)
What about terrestrial wildlife?
Anytime from March to October. As dry weather sets in, elephants, leopards, buffalo and other wildlife gather around dwindling water sources in national parks, making them easier to spot. If you’re keen on spying for the elusive sloth bear, May and June are your best bets. They like to climb the Balu tree to eat the seasonal fruits. Come between August and September to see the world’s largest gathering of Asian elephants; during the peak of the dry season, up to 300 pachyderms visit waterholes in Minneriya National Park.
Sri Lanka itinerary recommended by experts
What are my options if I want to become active?
January to March is suitable for most activities, with long, warm, dry days. By April, temperatures will be in the 30s, so avoid hiking in the Cultural Triangle – it’s too hot. Surfers can find surfing at almost any time of the year, with the best breaks being on the south and west coasts from November to April, and on the east coast from May to October. In May, June and October, the water around the south coast can be a bit rough and not suitable for swimming. October to December on the north and east coast. The weather can be unpredictable any time of year, so keep an eye out for red flags on the beaches warning of potentially hazardous waters.
Will religious holidays affect my plans?
In short, yes. There are religious holidays throughout the year that may affect your daily plans. Poya is associated with the appearance of the full moon, which occurs 13 or 14 times a year. These are national holidays, transport may be fully booked and some hotels and attractions may be closed. Alcoholic beverages are also prohibited in Boyarz, although you’ll find a few places willing to sneak in a cold beer for you. Before finalizing your itinerary, check the calendar for the year; Boyar Day sometimes occurs a day or two before or after the full moon.
Dutch Bay, Trincomalee Beach (Getty Images)
sunshine and rain
The Galle in the south has the least rainfall in March (70 mm) and the most rainfall in October (325 mm); Trincomalee in the northeast has the least rainfall in June (25 mm) and the most rainfall in December (365 mm) . This country has sunshine 365 days a year.
Trincomalee Koneswaram Temple (Getty Images)
calendar key dates
July
The holy city of Kataragama is a peaceful place for most of the year, and its temples and stupas are places of quiet contemplation. All that changes during the annual Kataragama festival, when Sri Lankans travel across the country to pay their respects. Mainly a Hindu festival, a two-week event with brightly lit streets, parades of elephants and beating of gongs and drums. Not for the faint of heart, there are also more extreme rituals of worship and penance, such as fire walking and self-abuse.
Sri Pada Adam Peak (Getty Images)
August
The highlight of the Buddhist calendar takes place in Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. This beautiful lakeside town comes alive with the ten-day Esala Perahera, a procession commemorating the Buddha’s Tooth Relic, which is housed in the temple’s golden casket. A cast of acrobats, fire dancers, jugglers and drummers perform every evening outside the temple and parade around the town. The climax of the final night is when a procession of up to 50 ornately decorated elephants takes to the streets, one of which carries a coffin. You’ll need to reserve street seating and accommodation months in advance.
Puselawa Tea Garden (Getty Images)
December to mid-April
December’s full moon marks the beginning of the pilgrimage season to Adam’s Peak or Sri Pada, the country’s holiest mountain. For more than a thousand years, followers of all faiths have climbed to the top, where the footprints of Adam, Buddha and Shiva are said to be found. The 7-kilometre walk begins at midnight, with the torches of hundreds of pilgrims lighting the way. With 5,500 steps to climb, it can be tough, but teahouses along the way will keep you energetic and refreshed. Ring the bell at the top of the mountain to mark the completion of the pilgrimage, then wait for the most meaningful sunrise of your life.
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