Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka (with Surf Season Guide)
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is from January to March, especially for sunny beach days along the western and southern parts of the island. Sri Lanka is a rare destination influenced by two different monsoons, which makes it possible to travel there year-round. The key is choosing the right coast at the right time. Even though I chose December for my trip, I still caught some rainy days. However, the rain didn’t last long during the day, and the temperatures were quite comfortable.
Mirissa Beach in December
Mostly, December in Sri Lanka is sunny.
Just check the weather in the different parts of Sri Lanka when planning your trip and prepare accordingly. Also, being in Sri Lanka during the surf season is a big advantage, as it gives you the chance to try it yourself.
December - April
South & West Coast (Galle, Mirissa, Weligama, Hikkaduwa, Colombo)
Best months to visit: December – April. It’s dry, sunny weather and calm seas — perfect for beach holidays. December and April could be unpredictable and have rainy days or just rainy hours. The temperature is still comfortable to be in a dress and a raincoat. Average temperatures of the air are 28–32°C and water 27–29°C.
Surf season runs from November to April. In Weligama, you can find gentle and long waves. And for advanced surfers, Hikkaduwa and Mirissa have reef breaks.
The monsoon hits the western side from May to September. It’s better to avoid these months due to rough seas, stronger currents, and short but heavy tropical rains.
Thunderstorm in Mirissa, Sri Lanka
Mirissa Beach at night in December.
The weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rainy periods, but the temperature remains warm.
Central Highlands (Kandy, Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Hatton)
Best months to visit: December – April. If you combine with the west side beach holiday - it can be a great trip during these months. Sunshine and fresh mountain air are perfect for a tea plantation. Kandy and Ella have warmer ,weather 22–26°C, Nuwara Eliya is much cooler because of the mountains and is like 12–20°C. Take into account that the temperature could be really cool. You need to grab a windproof warm cloth.
However, if you visit in the rainy season in October, November, or December, expect misty, rainy, atmospheric conditions. Your photography could be very mystical.
North & Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Wilpattu)
Best months to visit: December – April. This period is hot, dry, and ideal for safaris and historical sites with average air temperatures of 28–34°C. The northeast monsoon takes place from October to January.
May-September
East Coast (Trincomalee, Nilaveli, Pasikuda, Arugam Bay)
Best months to visit: May – September. This side is ideal during the European summer. This time is perfect for surfing as well. The average air temperature is 30–34°C, and the water is 28–30°C. Arugam Bay is one of the world’s top right-hand point breaks and is great for intermediate & advanced surfers. If you need the easiest level, you can try Peanut Farm and Whiskey Point.
Starting from late September, the northeast monsoon brings heavy showers and windy seas till January.
October-November
This season is a Southwest inter-monsoon period, the most unpredictable period. As for the Northeast inter-monsoon in May and April, typical widespread thunderstorms often occur in the afternoons and evenings. In October–November, the rainfall has the highest intensity of the inter-monsoonal rains for the year.