Exotic Sri Lanka is located in South Asia, it is an island nation southeast of Hindustan. Its coast is washed by the Laccadive Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. The main part of the area is occupied by lowlands, and the highlands are located in the center of the country. The highest mountain in Sri Lanka – Pidurutalagala, reaches 2524 m, followed by Adam’s Peak – 2243 m.
From the moment the Portuguese invaded in 1505, and until 1972, Sri Lanka was called Ceylon. The modern name is translated from Sanskrit as “blessed land”. The word “Ceylon” in many people is associated with tea plantations that grow here today.
The climate of Sri Lanka is warm and comfortable, mostly subequatorial monsoon. From June to October, the southwest monsoons continue, and from mid-October to the end of March, the northeast monsoons. Most precipitation falls in the southwestern mountainous regions from May-June to the end of October. Due to the different frequency of rains in the regions, you can relax here all year round – you just need to choose a place with the “correct” weather. The average annual air temperature is from +27 °С to + 30 °С, and water +25 °С.
Fortunately, even during the rainy season, showers are short-lived and mostly come at night. The low season welcomes tourists who want to save on a ticket. A high season and a significant influx of tourists is traditionally recorded in November-April. This is especially true for December and January tours – the prospect of spending New Year and Christmas holidays by the ocean attracts vacationers from all over the world. Our review “Weather in Sri Lanka by months” will allow you to make travel planning simple and enjoyable.
January
This month, it is most comfortable to stay in the southwestern resorts of the island: Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Negombo. Only rare short-term daytime rains can disturb you. The air warms up to +30 °C. At night it is a little cooler: +25 °С. On average, the water temperature is about +27 ° C, so the weather in Sri Lanka in January allows you to sunbathe and splash in the sea even with babies.
In the northeast and in the center of Sri Lanka, the situation is less favorable: if the temperature is only 1-3 degrees below the south, then heavy rainfall and gusty winds seriously interfere with rest.
February
The weather in Sri Lanka in February guarantees a full beach season, while in Kazakhstan it still snows at this time. In the last month of winter, the monsoons subside and make it possible to travel calmly throughout the country. Coastal regions delight with especially sunny weather: up to +32 °С during the day and +24 °С at night. In February, tourists go sightseeing in cities, not limited to marine leisure.
Go to the southwest of Sri Lanka, Kalutara, Galle, Bentota, Beruwala are attracted by the water and air temperature of about +30 °C. Don’t forget to try the local exotic fruits as the fruit harvest is in full swing in February.
March
The weather in Sri Lanka in the spring is quite hot, the thermometer shows about +30 ° C during the day and +24 ° C at night. The first month of spring is conducive to sightseeing trips and active exploration of the country.
The monsoon season is approaching, the humidity is rising, but so far only slightly. The sun is very active, so you should take care of a protective cream. For holidays with children in March, the resorts of Hikkaduwa and Galle are ideal. It is less windy here and there are no high waves.
April
Monsoons come close to the island, which leads to increased rainfall with thunderstorms. Most of the rain occurs in the south of the country, for example, in the resorts of Bentota and Hikkaduwa. Humidity is almost 100%. In the southwest, the sea is rough, storms often occur, and swimming is prohibited. During the day, the air heats up to almost +34 °С, and at night – + 25 °С. In April, we recommend giving preference to hotels in the northeast and in the center of Sri Lanka. So, in Jaffna and Trincomal, there is much less rain, and the sea in the bays is calm.
May
The southwest coast continues to suffer from monsoon “attacks”. High humidity, showers, thunderstorms and gloomy skies, combined with heat, are not conducive to travel. Fortunately, the weather conditions in the northeast are significantly different. For example, in Trincomalee, on average, four rainy days can be counted per month. The sea temperature is at +29 °С. Water sports enthusiasts prefer to come to Sri Lanka at the end of spring.
June
The weather in Sri Lanka in the summer is spoiled by monsoons, especially in the south. However, if compared with the previous month, the precipitation becomes less. For beach leisure at the beginning of summer, we recommend choosing northeastern resorts. In Trincomalee, the air temperature is +34 ° C, the humidity is low and there is a pleasant sea breeze. The sun is at its peak this month.
It is quite comfortable to be in the central region at this time, which allows you to plan a sightseeing trip.
July
In the middle of summer, the weather does not change dramatically, it is still the rainy season in the south and the dry season in the north. In the southwest, the humidity drops and it becomes easier to breathe. However, the sea is still stormy, so a beach holiday will not work here. The northeast is calm and pleasant: the maximum daily temperature is + 33-34 ° C, it is sunny and there is no wind. Diving, rafting and other water activities are in full swing.
August
Finally, there is a lull in the monsoons. Very soon, the south and north will “change” the weather, but for now, on both coasts, the air temperature is about + 27-30 ° С. A favorable atmosphere is observed in the resorts of Nilaveli and Trincomalee, in Kalkud and Pasikud. If it is important for you to go on a trip in August, choose those resorts that are located south of the city of Colombo. Places with a calm sea, such as Unawatuna, are suitable for relaxing with kids.
September
The weather in Sri Lanka is changeable in autumn, the break between monsoons is unpredictable. In the southwest, the dry season is still in force, and in the northeast, the rainy season is already beginning. The daily temperature in the south reaches +28 °С, and in the north – +30 °С. The coldest weather is in the mountains. In Nuwara Eliya, the maximum temperature in early autumn is +21 °C. The calm before the monsoon makes it possible to see the legendary cities of Kandy and Anuradhapura.
October
The second autumn month brings coolness: during the day the temperature is about +27 °C, and at night +24 °C. It is hottest in the south, for example, in Colombo and Marawil on a thermometer of 30 degrees. This figure is exacerbated by 100% humidity. The ocean temperature also drops to + 26-27 ° С. It is safe to enjoy swimming in the northeast region, while the sea on the southwest coast is still rough.
November
Finally, tourism is becoming available in the southwest of the country. It is there that the most popular resorts of Sri Lanka are located: Galle, Hikkaduwa, Bentota and others. The water in the sea heats up to +28 °C, and the air – up to + 30 °C during the day and + 26 °C – at night. Humidity is noticeably reduced, so high temperatures are well tolerated.
Northeast resorts, on the other hand, go on vacation. However, the rainy season only attracts extreme surfers.
December
The weather in Sri Lanka in winter is conducive to buying trips to the southwest of the country. There is no suffocating heat in December. Precipitation is minimal, the days are sunny and the sea is calm. During the day, the thermometer shows +28 ° С, and at night – +24 ° С. The water temperature is +27 °C. This is the perfect time to get to know the flora and fauna of the island.