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Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, because its two monsoons arrive on different sides of the island at different times. When it's wet on the south-west coast, the east coast is usually sunny, and the other way round. This page explains the seasons and suggests where to go each month.
Quick answers
- South-west coast, Colombo, Galle and the hill country: driest from December to March.
- East coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay, Pasikudah) and the north: driest from May to September.
- October and November: often the wettest time across much of the island.
- Visiting in the 'wrong' season? Rain often comes in heavy bursts rather than all day, but check forecasts, as floods and landslides do happen.
The four seasons
| Season | Months | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| South-west monsoon | May to September | Rain mainly on the south-west and the hill country (very heavy in places from June to August). The east and north are usually drier. |
| Inter-monsoon | October to November | Thunderstorms and rain across much of the island; usually the rainiest period of the year. |
| North-east monsoon | December to February | Rain mainly on the east and north. The south-west coast and hill country are usually at their best. |
| Inter-monsoon | March to April | Hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms in places. Generally a good time for most areas. |
Where to go, month by month
| Months | Best for | Expect rain in |
|---|---|---|
| December to March | South and west coasts, Colombo, Galle, Kandy, hill country, Cultural Triangle | East coast and north |
| April | Most of the island (hot); good shoulder month | Afternoon storms in places |
| May to September | East coast, north, Cultural Triangle | South-west coast and hill country |
| October to November | Shorter trips; flexible plans | Much of the island |
Good to know
- Festivals can matter as much as weather: Sinhala and Tamil New Year (April) and the Kandy Esala Perahera (usually July or August) are busy times to travel. See our festivals calendar.
- Flooding and landslides can follow heavy rain in the inter-monsoon periods, so check local news and travel advice before road trips in the hills.
Tips for planning around the weather
- Split your trip. In summer, pair the Cultural Triangle with the east coast; in winter, pair it with the south coast and hill country.
- Hill country is cooler all year. Nuwara Eliya can be chilly at night, so pack a warm layer.
- Book early for peak months. December to March on the south coast is the busiest season.