When to go
Two monsoons, opposite coasts. There's always sun somewhere.
The south-west monsoon (May–Sep) wets the west, south and hills while the east coast shines. The north-east monsoon (Nov–Feb) does the reverse. Pick your month.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West & South coast | ||||||||||||
| Hill Country | ||||||||||||
| Cultural Triangle | ||||||||||||
| East coast | ||||||||||||
| North (Jaffna) |
BestMixed: showers, still goodWettest
January: where to go
West & South coast, Hill Country, Cultural Triangle
Wettest: East coast. Journeys that fit: The Classic Island Loop, Tea Trails & the Blue Train, Ancient Kingdoms, Hills to the Sea, Ayurveda & the Slow Coast, Family Island Adventure.
Wildlife in Jan
- Blue whales off Mirissa
- Elephants in Udawalawe
- Surf on the south coast
- Migratory birds, Kumana & Bundala
- Adam's Peak pilgrimage season
Festivals & events
- Duruthu Perahera, Kelaniya (full moon)
- Thai Pongal harvest festival