Tailor Made Holidays in Sri Lanka: When to Go

Dambulla Cave Temple

Sri Lanka is a year round destination with generally good weather but the country has two annual monsoons that affect different parts of the country at different times of the year: one bringing rain to the southwest lowlands and central hills from late May to late September, and a weaker second that affects the northeast of the island from November to February.

March to mid-April is generally dry throughout the country, followed by a short pre-monsoon period.

The summer months from June to September are hot in the Cultural Triangle and humid on the west coast, although pleasant sea breezes provide some respite.

Cyclones may occur from late September to late November, bringing with them heavy rains.

At about 2,000 metres above sea level, the hill country around Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains and Bandarawela is always cooler.

Our logos and affiliations British Airways Read about our awards Our responsible tourism policy Your Financial Protection