Written by Hollie Broadhead
Posted, 4th February 2021
For a tiny little island in the Indian Ocean, it’s a beast when it comes to it’s weather cycles. Sitting close to the equator, generally speaking (if timed well) the weather in Sri Lanka is pretty epic. Temperatures in the coastal regions will average between 25-30°C (NIIICE ☀️) and in the central mountain regions, dropping to a daily average of about 15-20°C which is perfect for those bucket list hikes!
In a Nutshell…
Sri Lanka is pretty much split between two alternating monsoon seasons; one affecting the East Coast and the second affecting the South Coast. That being said it very much is an all year round destination. You just need to know when and which side of the island to visit. If not, your desired route, timed incorrectly, will ultimately affect your well deserved “beach vibes” …and you do not want that! 💔
So what’s the magic formula?
Well there is no perfect formula when it comes to tropical climates. You can go in the middle of a monsoon season and get sunshine for weeks…it does happen! 🏝
But for something to work from here we go;
- October – April (South & West Coast)
(Hiriketiya, Mirissa, Weligama, Unawatuna, Galle, Hikkaduwa) - May – September (East Coast)
(Arugam Bay, Trincamolee)
However, that being said… If I was you, I would certainly be aiming for October – April as it means you can include the incredible South West Coast to your itinerary.
It is often regarded as the best time to travel the country by many and I am certainly seconding it!
Definitely my favourite time to be travelling Sri Lanka with some of my favourite spots in the whole country being on the South Coast. (Hiriketiya, Weligama, Galle)
With so much variety along the South West Coast; whether you’re seeking the best surf swell, wanting to swing from palm trees, eat poke bowls for lunch, join a sunrise yoga class, snorkel with turtles at sunset or just beach hop along the tropical coastline… there really is something for everyone!
Although there is still much to be explored over on the East Coast of Sri Lanka and yes it is beautiful, it’s just not as developed yet. For your first time to Sri Lanka, heading to a region where there is already a backpacking hype with epic cafes, cool nightlife and just so much to explore… will be perfect for you!
Check out an epic 12 day loop of Sri Lanka; starting in Negombo, travelling through central highlands and finishing on the beaches of the South-West Coast.
