Sri Lanka Weather & Best Time to Visit Monsoons, seasons and month-by-month guidance

Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons. The south-west monsoon runs from May to September and affects the west and south coasts. The north-east monsoon runs from October to January and affects the east and north coasts. See our Best Time to Visit guide.

The best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on the region. The south and west coasts are best from December to April; the east and north coasts are best from May to September. See our month-by-month Best Time to Visit guide.

Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round — typically 26°C to 32°C on the coasts. The central highlands are noticeably cooler. See our Best Time to Visit guide for monthly details.

Rainfall in Sri Lanka varies significantly by region and season. Even during monsoon season, rain often falls in short, intense bursts rather than all day, so travel remains entirely possible with flexible planning. See our Best Time to Visit guide.

For a beach holiday in Sri Lanka, the south and west coasts are best from December to April, while the east coast is ideal from May to September. See our Southern Coast and East Coast pages.

Yes — January is one of the warmest and driest months in Sri Lanka. Coastal temperatures typically range from 26°C to 32°C, making it ideal for beach holidays. See our Sri Lanka in January guide.

Yes — February is one of the best months to visit Sri Lanka. The south and west coasts are dry, sunny and warm, perfect for beach holidays. See our Sri Lanka in February guide.

Yes — March remains an excellent month for Sri Lanka. The south and west coasts are still dry, temperatures are warm and the sea is calm. See our Sri Lanka in March guide.

Yes — April is an excellent month for Sri Lanka. The south and west coasts are still in their dry season before the south-west monsoon begins in May. See our Sri Lanka in April guide.

May is a shoulder month in Sri Lanka. The south-west monsoon begins, but the east coast enters its dry season. See our Sri Lanka in May guide.

June brings rain to the south-west coast as the south-west monsoon peaks. However, the east coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay) is in its dry season and ideal for beach holidays. See our Sri Lanka in June guide.

Yes — July is a great month for Sri Lanka if you plan to visit the east coast, the Cultural Triangle or the hill country. See our Sri Lanka in July guide.

Yes — August is similar to July. The east coast is dry and ideal for beach holidays. The Minneriya elephant gathering is in full swing. See our Sri Lanka in August guide.

September is a transitional month in Sri Lanka. The south-west monsoon is ending, and the east coast remains dry. See our Sri Lanka in September guide.

October is a mixed month in Sri Lanka. The south-west monsoon has ended, but the north-east monsoon is beginning. See our Sri Lanka in October guide.

In November, coastal Sri Lanka averages 27°C to 31°C, with humidity rising as the north-east monsoon begins. November marks the shoulder season — good value with fewer crowds. See our Sri Lanka in November guide.

Yes — December is one of the best months to visit Sri Lanka. The south and west coasts enter their dry, sunny season. December is peak season, so book accommodation early. See our Sri Lanka in December guide.

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, swimwear and a light layer for cooler highland areas. Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is recommended for temple visits. See our Travel Tips page.